Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate slices of brioche soaked in a honey-lavender custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, served with a bright citrus mascarpone spread. This french-inspired mother’s day ready in about 30 minutes pairs brioche bread slices, large eggs, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried culinary lavender buds, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter to coat the pan.
  3. Step 3: Dip each of the 6 brioche bread slices into the honey-lavender custard, soaking each side for about 20 seconds to absorb the mixture.
  4. Step 4: Place soaked slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on edges, adding more butter as needed.
  5. Step 5: While French toast cooks, combine 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, 1 tsp orange zest, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp powdered sugar in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve the French toast warm, topped with a dollop of the citrus mascarpone and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brioche bread slices from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Lavender French Toast with Citrus Mascarpone?

French mother’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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