There’s a certain charm in turning stale bread into something truly delightful. As I stood in my kitchen last weekend, I found an uneaten baguette that had been resting quietly on the countertop. The simple act of transforming it into Torrijas—Spanish Style French Toast with Anise Syrup—felt like uncovering a culinary treasure. The process involves steaming cinnamon and honey into a syrup that wraps around each piece of warm, golden bread, revealing intense flavors that dance with each bite.
Perfect for brunch gatherings or a comforting dessert, these Torrijas offer an unexpected twist on traditional French toast, introducing a hint of anise and a burst of citrus from fresh orange zest. It’s an effortless way to impress your family and friends while indulging your own taste buds. Plus, it’s a delightful solution for that leftover bread. Let’s dive into creating this sweet dish that beckons everyone to the table!
Why is Torrijas a Must-Try Recipe?
Irresistible sweetness: The syrup, infused with honey and orange zest, envelops each slice in a delightful glaze that will have everyone craving more.
Comforting and cozy: This recipe brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quiet evening treat.
Unique flavor profile: The hint of anise paired with cinnamon adds a sophisticated twist to classic French toast, ensuring it stands out from typical breakfast fare.
Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can turn stale bread into a gourmet dish that impresses without demanding culinary expertise.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for brunch or dessert, these Torrijas are sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends.
For an extra layer of flavor, don’t forget to check out my guide on fun twists for delicious French toast.
Torrijas Ingredients
• Discover what you’ll need to make delightful Torrijas (Spanish Style French Toast with Anise Syrup)!
For the Bread
- Thick stale French or Italian-style baguette – The older the bread, the better it soaks up the syrup without falling apart.
For the Syrup
- Water – It serves as the base for creating a sweet, satisfying syrup.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the syrup to perfection and balances the flavors.
- Honey – Adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the syrup.
- Fresh orange zest – Infuses bright citrus notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Kosher salt – Just a pinch enhances all the sweet elements in the syrup.
- Cinnamon sticks – Infuse warm, comforting spices into the syrup, creating a cozy aroma.
For the Flavorings
- Anise extract – Offers a unique aromatic flavor that sets this dish apart from traditional French toast.
- Almond extract – Compliments the other flavors while adding a nutty essence.
For the Batter and Cooking
- Large eggs – Essential for binding the bread and creating a rich, custard-like texture.
- Whole milk – Provides creaminess to the batter, enriching the overall flavor.
- Butter – For frying, it gives a beautiful golden crust and rich taste.
For Garnish
- Flaky sea salt – A finishing touch that contrasts the sweet syrup for a balanced flavor.
How to Make Torrijas
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Slice the Bread: Begin by slicing the thick stale baguette on the bias into 1-inch thick slices. This will help the bread absorb that delicious syrup beautifully!
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Prepare the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, honey, orange zest, kosher salt, and cinnamon sticks. Bring it to a boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 7-10 minutes until it thickens into a syrup. Stir in the anise and almond extracts once removed from heat.
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Mix the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and whole milk until thoroughly combined. This creamy mixture is what will coat your lovely bread slices!
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Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be cautious not to let it get too soggy, as we want it to maintain its form while soaking up flavors.
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Fry the Torrijas: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Fry the soaked bread slices in batches for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
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Soak in Syrup: Arrange the fried torrijas on a slightly concave or rimmed serving platter. Pour the warm syrup over them, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Torrijas?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the rich flavors of your Torrijas.
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Fresh Berries: Their tartness and vibrant color provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, syrupy bread. The juicy pop of each berry enhances every bite.
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it balances the sweetness of the torrijas beautifully. A dollop on the side adds a luxurious layer of richness to your meal.
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Chilled Orchard Iced Tea: Light and fragrant, this refreshing beverage cools your palate while the warmth of the torrijas captivates. It’s a perfect sip to enjoy on a sunny brunch day.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pistachios: These crunchy nuts introduce a satisfying texture and a hint of spice that harmonizes with the flavors of anise and cinnamon. They make for a fun, munchable side.
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Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent touch, a swirl of caramel sauce harmonizes with the dish’s sweetness and adds a silky richness that can’t be missed.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it offers a delightful creaminess alongside the torrijas. Flavored with a hint of vanilla, it’s a classic accompaniment that pleases every crowd.
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Cardamom Coffee: A warm cup of this aromatic brew elevates the experience, enhancing the exotic notes from the anise and cinnamon in the torrijas. Each sip becomes part of a cozy ritual.
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Poached Pears: Tender and juicy, these fruit companions provide a lovely contrast to the crispy outside of the torrijas, marrying flavors and textures in each delicious bite.
How to Store and Freeze Torrijas
Room Temperature: Keep leftover torrijas in a cool, dry place for up to 1 day, covered to prevent them from drying out.
Fridge: Store torrijas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little butter for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze individual torrijas wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat in a skillet on medium heat until heated through, about 3-5 minutes per side, to revive their delicious texture!
Expert Tips for Making Torrijas
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Bread Selection: Use stale French or Italian bread for the best texture. Fresh bread may become too soggy and lose its shape during soaking.
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Syrup Consistency: Ensure the syrup simmers long enough to thicken slightly; this enhances the flavor. If it’s too runny, it won’t cling to the torrijas as nicely.
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Soaking Time: Don’t soak the bread for too long; 30 seconds to 1 minute is ideal. Over-soaking can make it mushy, leading to a less satisfying bite.
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Frying Temperature: Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve a golden crust. Too high can burn the butter, while too low may result in soggy pieces.
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Finishing Touch: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a surprising contrast to the sweetness of the syrup, making your Torrijas even more irresistible.
Torrijas Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Torrijas—small tweaks can lead to a whole new delicious experience!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free bread in place of the baguette to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
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Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk with almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for a lighter twist.
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Spiced Up: Add a hint of nutmeg or cardamom to the syrup for an enhanced spice profile that elevates each bite.
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Citrus Burst: Experiment with lemon or grapefruit zest instead of orange for a bright, refreshing twist that adds a unique flair.
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Nutty Addition: Incorporate a tablespoon of finely chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the batter to add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top for a sweet, indulgent touch that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Fruity Delight: Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas on top for a fruity, colorful garnish that complements the syrup beautifully.
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Extra Sweetness: For those with a sweet tooth, try drizzling additional honey or maple syrup over each serving right before indulging!
Make Ahead Options
These Torrijas are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the syrup up to 3 days in advance by refrigerating it in an airtight container. Just reheat the syrup gently before using to ensure it’s warm and pourable. Additionally, slice the bread and dip it into the egg and milk mixture, soaking for about 30 seconds, then place the soaked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Chill them, covered, for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to serve, simply fry them as directed, soak in the warm syrup, and enjoy these delightful bites that are just as delicious as when made fresh!
Torrijas (Spanish Style French Toast with Anise Syrup) Recipe FAQs
What type of bread should I use for Torrijas?
Absolutely! The best choice is a thick stale French or Italian-style baguette. Stale bread absorbs the syrup better without falling apart, whereas fresh bread can become too soggy during soaking. Aim for bread that has been left out for a day or two for optimal results.
How can I store leftover Torrijas?
To store your leftover Torrijas, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a skillet with a little butter for that golden crust—this method helps bring back their delightful texture!
Can I freeze Torrijas?
Very! To freeze, wrap each individual Torrija tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet on medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side.
What should I do if my syrup is too runny?
If your syrup turns out too runny, don’t worry! Simply return it to the stovetop and let it simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency. A well-thickened syrup will cling perfectly to your Torrijas, enhancing the flavor!
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains common allergens such as eggs and dairy. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you can substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. Additionally, ensure all other ingredients, like honey and extracts, are free from allergens.
How long should I soak the bread in the batter?
It’s crucial to soak the bread for just 30 seconds to 1 minute. If you soak it for too long, it may become soggy and lose its structure, resulting in less satisfying Torrijas. Just enough time will allow it to absorb flavors while still holding its shape!
Torrijas: Irresistible Spanish French Toast with Anise Syrup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the Bread: Slice the thick stale baguette on the bias into 1-inch thick slices.
- Prepare the Syrup: Combine water, granulated sugar, honey, orange zest, kosher salt, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan. Boil for 1 minute, then simmer for 7-10 minutes until thickened. Stir in anise and almond extracts off heat.
- Mix the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and whole milk until combined.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice into the egg mixture, soaking for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Fry the Torrijas: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the bread slices for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Soak in Syrup: Arrange the fried torrijas on a platter and pour warm syrup over them. Let sit for at least 20 minutes before serving.