Spanish-Style French Toast (Torrijas) – A Golden, Cinnamon

Spanish-Style French Toast, traditionally known as Torrijas, is a beautifully simple yet deeply flavorful dish enjoyed throughout Spain. Thick slices of bread are soaked in milk infused with cinnamon and citrus, dipped in egg, then fried until golden and crisp. The result is a soft, custardy interior with a lightly crunchy exterior, finished with sugar or honey for irresistible sweetness.Unlike classic American French toast, Spanish torrijas carry warm Mediterranean notes from cinnamon sticks, lemon or orange peel, and sometimes a drizzle of floral honey.

Spanish-Style French Toast:

Each bite delivers comfort and nostalgia, making it a cherished recipe passed down through generations.Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, Spanish-Style French Toast feels both rustic and elegant. Whether served warm with syrup or cooled and drizzled with honey, it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

History:

Torrijas date back to the 15th century in Spain and were traditionally eaten during Holy Week (Semana Santa). The dish was originally created as a way to use stale bread, soaking it in milk or wine before frying.Over time, torrijas became closely associated with Easter celebrations across Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Madrid. Today, they remain a beloved seasonal specialty, though many households enjoy them year-round as a comforting sweet treat.

Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.

Spanish-Style French Toast (Torrijas) – A Golden, Cinnamon-Infused Sweet Treat with Rich Tradition

Shruthi

Spanish-Style French Toast, or Torrijas, is a classic Spanish dish.Made with bread soaked in cinnamon-infused milk.Fried until golden and crisp on the outside.Soft and custardy on the inside.Often finished with sugar, honey, or syrup.Traditionally enjoyed during Easter celebrations.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine Spanish

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf day-old bread (thick slices)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Peel of 1 lemon or orange
• 2 large eggs
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
• Honey (for drizzling, optional)
• Ground cinnamon (for dusting)

Instructions

 

• In a saucepan, heat milk with cinnamon stick, citrus peel, and sugar. Warm gently without boiling. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Arrange bread slices in a shallow dish and pour infused milk over them. Let soak until softened but not falling apart.
• Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
• Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Dip soaked bread into beaten egg, coating both sides.
• Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon or drizzle with honey before serving.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for best absorption.
• Do not oversoak to prevent breaking.
• Warm milk gently to avoid curdling.
• Traditional recipes sometimes use olive oil for authentic flavor.
• Drain excess oil for a lighter texture.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Honey adds traditional Spanish sweetness.
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keyword cinnamon toast, Easter dessert, milk-soaked bread, Spanish French toast, torrijas recipe, traditional Spanish sweets

Tips for Spanish-Style French Toast:

• Use brioche for a richer variation.
• Add vanilla to milk for extra aroma.
• Bake instead of fry for a lighter version.
• Add a splash of sweet wine for traditional flair.
• Dust with powdered sugar for presentation.
• Pair with fresh berries for contrast.
• Use a thermometer to maintain steady oil temperature.
• Serve with café con leche for an authentic touch.

FAQs for Spanish-Style French Toast:

Q1: What bread is best for torrijas?
Thick, day-old white bread or brioche works best.

Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden, flipping halfway.

Q3: Can I make them ahead?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and reheated gently.

Q4: Why is my torrija soggy?
Over-soaking or too low frying temperature can cause sogginess.

Q5: Is this the same as regular French toast?
It’s similar, but torrijas are traditionally infused with cinnamon and citrus and often coated in sugar or honey.

Conclusion:

Spanish-Style French Toast, or Torrijas, is a timeless recipe that turns humble ingredients into a comforting delicacy. With its warm cinnamon aroma, crisp golden crust, and soft custardy center, it embodies the heart of Spanish home cooking. Whether enjoyed during Easter or as a sweet weekend treat, this dish brings tradition and flavor together in every delicious bite.