Around the Campfire
Cinnamon raisin French toast makes a familiar camp breakfast feel like a small upgrade. The bread already brings cinnamon and sweetness, so the cook stays simple.
Why This Recipe Works
The Blackstone gives every slice room to brown while the egg custard sets. Medium-low heat keeps the bread from browning before the center warms through.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium-low
- Best for: Sweet breakfasts, slow mornings, family meals
- Teaches: Gentle griddle heat
Shopping List
- Cinnamon raisin bread
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Butter
- Syrup
Home Prep
Pack bread separately so it does not crush. Measure vanilla and any spices before the trip.
Cooler Packing
Keep eggs and milk cold. Keep bread dry and outside the cooler if weather allows.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Shallow dish
Heat Zones
Use medium-low heat. Give the centers time to set before the outsides over-brown.
Ingredients
- 8 slices cinnamon raisin bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the griddle)
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium-low.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Dip each of the 8 slices of cinnamon raisin bread briefly into the mixture, coating both sides, but do not soak.
- Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter on the griddle.
- Place coated bread on the griddle and cook until golden on the first side, about 3–4 minutes.
- Flip once and cook until the second side is golden and the custard is set in the center, about 3–4 minutes more.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining bread if working in batches.
Doneness
The coating should be set and the bread hot through.
Common Mistakes
- Soaking bread too long.
- Cooking too hot.
- Flipping repeatedly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with syrup, bacon, fruit, coffee, or yogurt.
Variations
- Add powdered sugar.
- Add berries.
- Use regular bread with extra cinnamon.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free milk and oil.
- Vegetarian: As written.
Scaling
Cook in batches and hold finished slices on a cooler zone.
Weather Notes
Cold mornings may require a longer preheat.
Leftovers
Leftover slices make good snack strips or sweet breakfast sandwiches.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can choose toppings and dust finished slices with powdered sugar.
Dragonfly Tip
Dip quickly. Cinnamon raisin bread is softer than Texas toast.
Dragonfly Challenge
Serve one slice with syrup and one with berries. Pick the campsite favorite.