IHOP Style French Toast Copycat Recipe You Can Make At Home

on

IHOP-Style French Toast Copycat Recipe (Easy, Fluffy & Golden!)

If you’ve ever sat in a cozy booth at IHOP on a sleepy Sunday morning, you probably know the joy of a plate of warm, golden French toast. Soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, dusted with powdered sugar, and soaked in maple syrup… it’s pure breakfast comfort. Today I’m sharing my IHOP-style French toast copycat recipe that you can make at home in less than 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients, basic cookware, and a few tips to get that diner-style flavor and texture—without leaving your kitchen.

A Quick Background: IHOP & Their Iconic French Toast

IHOP (International House of Pancakes) has been serving breakfast all day since 1958. While they’re famous for pancakes, their French toast is a quiet star on the menu. It’s:
  • Soft and custardy in the middle
  • Lightly crisp and golden on the outside
  • Just sweet enough, especially with warm syrup and butter
  • Comforting, nostalgic, and perfect with coffee
This recipe is inspired by the taste and texture of IHOP’s French toast. It’s not the restaurant’s real recipe, but it aims to capture that same cloud-like center and buttery crust you get at your favorite breakfast spot. You’ll smell the vanilla, feel the warmth of cinnamon, and hear that gentle sizzle as the bread hits the hot griddle. That’s when you know breakfast is going to be good.

Copycat IHOP French Toast Recipe

IHOP-style French toast copycat recipe with fluffy, golden slices topped with butter, powdered sugar, and syrup on a white plate.
Easy IHOP-style French toast copycat recipe with fluffy, golden slices, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast

Servings: 4 (about 8 slices of French toast)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the French toast:
  • 8 slices thick white bread or Texas toast (slightly stale or day-old works best)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% in a pinch)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness; see substitutions below)
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional but tasty)
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 2–3 Tbsp unsalted butter, for the pan (plus extra for serving)
For serving (optional but recommended):

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep your bread

  • For the best IHOP-style French toast, use slightly dry bread. If your bread is very fresh and soft, lay the slices out on a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes or lightly toast them on the lowest setting. This helps them soak up the custard without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the custard mixture

  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    • 2 Tbsp sugar
    • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (if using)
    • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the cinnamon is as evenly distributed as possible. Some cinnamon will float on top and that’s okay.

Step 3: Preheat your pan or griddle

  • Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  • Add about 1/2 Tbsp butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface.
  • The surface should be hot enough that a drop of custard sizzles, but not so hot that the butter burns. Adjust the heat as needed.

Step 4: Dip the bread

  • Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish (like a pie plate) so it’s easier to dip.
  • Working with 1–2 slices at a time, dip each slice of bread into the custard:
    • Let it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side for standard thick bread, a little longer for very thick slices.
    • Lift and let excess custard drip back into the dish so the bread isn’t soggy.

Step 5: Cook to golden perfection

  • Place dipped bread on the hot, buttered pan.
  • Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until:
    • The outside is deep golden brown
    • The edges feel slightly crisp
    • The center feels set (not wet or squishy)
  • Add a little more butter to the pan between batches for that classic buttery diner flavor.

Step 6: Food safety check

  • Because we’re using eggs and dairy, make sure the French toast is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F for safety.
  • If you’re unsure, cut into one slice from the first batch and check that the center is moist but not runny.

Step 7: Serve warm

  • Serve immediately with:
    • Butter on top
    • Warm maple syrup
    • A dusting of powdered sugar
    • Berries, bananas, or whipped cream if you like a restaurant-style plate

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

Per serving (2 slices, without toppings):
  • Calories: ~360
  • Protein: ~13 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40 g
  • Fat: ~17 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8 g
  • Sugar: ~10 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g (depends on bread)
  • Sodium: ~450 mg
These are estimates and will change based on the type of bread, milk, and toppings you use.

Tips for the Best IHOP-Style French Toast at Home

  • Use the right bread: Thick white bread, brioche, challah, or Texas toast all work beautifully. The thicker the slice, the more “restaurant-style” it feels.
  • Don’t skip the cream: The splash of heavy cream is what gives this copycat French toast its rich, custardy center.
  • Medium heat is your friend: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and it dries out.
  • Serve right away: French toast is best hot off the griddle. If you need to hold it, keep slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

Simple Shortcuts & Time-Saving Options

Sometimes you just want breakfast fast. Here are a few ways to make this copycat IHOP French toast even easier for busy mornings.

Make-ahead custard

  • Whisk the egg mixture the night before.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • In the morning, just heat your pan, dip the bread, and cook.

Use your griddle for a “batch cook” breakfast

  • If you have an electric griddle, you can cook 4–6 slices at once.
  • This is perfect for feeding a crowd without standing at the stove all morning.

Air Fryer French Toast Sticks (Kid-Friendly Option)

Turn your slices into fun French toast sticks:
  • Cut each slice of bread into 3–4 strips.
  • Dip in the custard as usual.
  • Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  • Place sticks in a single layer (don’t crowd).
  • Air fry at 350°F for about 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
  • Serve with small cups of warm syrup for dipping.

Allergy-Friendly & Special Diet Swaps

You don’t have to miss out on IHOP-style French toast if you have food allergies or follow a specific way of eating. Here are some simple adjustments.

Gluten-Free French Toast

  • Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread or gluten-free brioche.
  • Double-check that your vanilla extract and any toppings are gluten-free.

Dairy-Free French Toast

Vegan French Toast

Traditional IHOP French toast is not vegan, but you can make a tasty plant-based version:
  • Use thick dairy-free bread (many sandwich breads are already vegan).
  • Replace eggs with a mixture of:
  • Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken, then dip and cook as usual.

Paleo-ish / Lower Carb Option

  • Use a grain-free or low-carb bread that fits your plan.
  • Swap sugar for a low-carb sweetener like allulose or monk fruit blend.
  • Serve with berries and a sugar-free syrup.
Always remember to check ingredient labels carefully if you have severe allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my French toast soggy?

  • Your bread may be too fresh and soft.
  • You might be soaking the bread for too long.
  • The heat may be too high, browning the outside before the center cooks.
Try drying your bread a bit, dipping for a shorter time, and using medium heat.

Can I freeze French toast?

  • Yes. Let cooked French toast cool completely.
  • Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
  • Transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer until hot.

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

  • Absolutely. Thick is best, but standard sliced sandwich bread still works and tastes great.

Bring IHOP-Style Breakfast Home

There’s something special about slowly turning slices of bread into golden, custardy French toast while the kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla. It feels like a weekend, even on a weekday. If you’re craving IHOP French toast but want to stay in your pajamas, this easy copycat recipe is a great way to treat yourself and your family.
  • Simple ingredients
  • Quick to make
  • Easy to customize
  • Perfect for brunch, holidays, or breakfast-for-dinner

Share Your Version!

Did you try this IHOP-style French toast copycat recipe?
  • Tell us in the comments how it turned out.
  • Did you use brioche, Texas toast, or another bread?
  • Any fun toppings—strawberries, chocolate chips, or whipped cream mountains?
If you loved it, please share this recipe with a friend or on social media. It really helps more home cooks find these simple copycat recipes.

Important Disclaimers

  • This is a copycat recipe created for home cooks and is not the official IHOP recipe. We do not claim any affiliation with IHOP, and no insider knowledge of their proprietary recipes, methods, or ingredients is implied.
  • All trademarks and restaurant names are the property of their respective owners and are used here for identification and descriptive purposes only.
  • Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on our site. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our free recipes.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment