Some mornings call for something cozy…
Some call for something sweet…
And then there are the mornings where you look at your leftover sourdough and say:

“What if this tasted like a warm slice of coffee cake?”

Today’s Stale Sourdough Redemption brings you Coffee Cake French Toast — a golden, cinnamon-swirled, buttery creation topped with a crunchy crumble that melts into every nook and cranny. It tastes like a bakery breakfast and a holiday dessert had a very delicious baby.

This version uses my cinnamon-sugar swirl sourdough and leftover coffee cake crumble — which caramelizes beautifully in the pan and becomes the perfect topping.
The result?
Warm cinnamon.
Soft, custardy centers.
Crispy edges.
Sweet crumble on top.
Your entire house smelling like Christmas morning.

It’s familiar, comforting, nostalgic… and insanely easy to make.

Full recipe below — this one is DEFINITELY a keeper.

COFFEE CAKE FRENCH TOAST

Warm, cozy, and crumble-topped perfection.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the custard:

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• ½–1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the crumble topping:

Use leftover coffee cake crumble (best-case scenario!)
OR quickly mix:

• 1 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp flour or oat flour

• Pinch cinnamon
  Mash together with a fork until sandy.

Bread:

• Thick slices of day-old Diablo Dough Cinnamon Sugar Swirl Sourdough
  (Classic sourdough also works, but swirl is ✨next level.)

For cooking:

• Butter

Optional toppings:

Choose 1–3:

• Extra crumble

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Cream cheese glaze

• Cinnamon sugar dusting

Instructions

1. Make the custard.

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Dip the sourdough slices.

Soak 10–15 seconds per side.
The cinnamon swirl bread LOVES this custard.

3. Cook the French toast.

Heat butter in a skillet over medium.
Cook each slice 2–3 minutes per side until golden and fragrant.

4. Add crumble topping.

Sprinkle crumble over the warm slices so it melts slightly.
You can also toss some crumble in the pan during the last 30 seconds for extra caramelization.

5. Plate + finish.

Top with:

• More crumble

• Powdered sugar

• Drizzle of maple syrup or cream cheese glaze

Serve warm.

Why This Recipe Works

This French toast tastes EXACTLY like a slice of warm coffee cake:

• cinnamon sugar richness

• buttery crumble

• soft middle + crisp edges

• cozy, nostalgic flavor

It’s perfect for holidays, brunch, snow days, or any morning you want something sweet and comforting without making an entire cake.

Variations

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Toast:

Add a cream cheese swirl on top.

Caramel Coffee Cake Toast:

Replace maple syrup with a salted caramel drizzle.

Blueberry Coffee Cake Toast:

Add blueberries to the crumble — SO good.

Storage & Reheating

Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
OR skillet with a tiny bit of butter.