Skip to content

Pain Perdu

P A I N P E R D U !

Pain perdu — French for “lost bread” — is the original French toast, built for using up a stale loaf. Day-old bread soaks briefly in a vanilla and rum custard, then pan-fries in butter until deep golden. Based on the recipe by La Cuisine de Philippe.

Yield: 2 servings · Total time: 20 minutes

Vegetarian Eggs Dairy Gluten
ItemAmount
day-old country loaf or baguette (~2cm thick)x4 slices
large eggs, room temperaturex2
whole milk300g (300ml)
brown sugar, packed50g (~¼ cup)
vanilla extract5g (1 tsp)
dark rum (optional)14g (1 tbsp)
unsalted butter, divided40g
mixed fresh berries (optional garnish)100g
Items
large skillet or pan
shallow bowl or dish
whisk
paper towels
  1. Make custard: Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and rum (if using) until frothy. Add milk and whisk until smooth.

  2. Soak bread: Working in batches, dip each bread slice into the custard for 10–15 seconds per side — long enough to absorb but not fall apart.

  3. Cook first batch: Melt 20g butter in a skillet over medium heat until foamy. Add 2 slices and cook for 2–3 minutes until deep golden brown on the bottom.

  4. Flip: Turn and cook the second side for another 2–3 minutes until evenly golden.

  5. Drain and repeat: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Melt the remaining 20g butter and repeat with the second batch.

  6. Serve: Plate hot and garnish with fresh berries if using.

Nutrition Facts 2 servings
Calories 400
Total Fat 15g
Total Carbohydrate 45g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Protein 12g

Per serving · Estimated values