There’s something about being pregnant in January that makes comfort food feel like a necessity. With the cold weather outside and the extra warmth I’m carrying around, my cravings have been all about indulgence. Lately, making sure I get a hearty breakfast in every morning has become extra important! I’ve been waking up with a craving for something sweet and spiced —something that feels like a hug from the inside out. That’s how I stumbled upon the idea of Maple Chai French Toast, a dish that turned out to be everything that I had hoped.
The magic of this French toast is in its warm, aromatic spices. Pregnancy has made me so much more sensitive to smells, and the combination of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cardamom, and ginger wafting through my kitchen while it cooks is pure heaven. Chai has always been a favorite flavor of mine, but lately, it feels extra soothing—like the spices are working their own little magic to settle my soul (and maybe even my ever-hungry baby!). Then there’s the maple syrup, which adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.
Making this French toast has become a little ritual for me. I whisk together syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices, then soak slices of sourdough until they’re saturated. Cooking them to golden perfection in a skillet feels oddly satisfying, and I’ll admit I’ve been using this as an excuse to “taste test” a piece or two before serving. Topped with warm maple syrup and a bit of butter, it’s a breakfast that feels like a reward for surviving another chilly January morning.
What I love most about this dish is how it hits all my cravings at once. It’s sweet but not too sweet, rich but not heavy, and the spices make me feel warm from the inside out. Plus, it’s versatile. I’ve added a dollop of whipped cream on days when I’m feeling fancy and sliced strawberries when I want to sneak in some fruit. Honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for those days when pregnancy exhaustion means I need breakfast to feel like a treat and not just a chore.
Being pregnant has taught me to slow down and savor the little things, and Maple Chai French Toast has become one of those little things. It’s not just breakfast—it’s a moment of joy in the middle of a long winter. Whether you’re pregnant, a tired parent, or just someone who loves a comforting meal, this recipe is worth a try. Trust me: when you sit down with a warm plate and that first bite hits, it’ll feel like everything you needed and more.
Maple Chai French Toast
Serves: 2-3
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon maple syrup
4 eggs
2/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
8-10 sliced sourdough (or bread of your choice)
Unsalted butter, for cooking
Directions:
Whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices in a large shallow bowl to form a custard.
Melt about a tablespoon of butter in a large pan (cast iron if great for this!) over medium to medium-high heat.
Dip the bread, one slice at a time, into the custard mixture to ensure that it is fully coated.
Pan fry the slices, 2 or 3 at a time, on each side until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Repeat with remaining custard and bread, adding more butter as necessary.
Serve warm with desired toppings, I love the simple addition of more butter and maple syrup!
Enjoy!