Challah French Toast with Cinnamon-Sugar Glaze

Notes
- Entirely fine to use all oat milk for this recipe (but use barista blend).
- Cinnamon-sugar glaze is entirely optional.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (460 mL) whole milk
- ½ cup (115 mL) heavy cream or half-and-half (or use more milk)
- 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest (optional)
- ¾ tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of salt
- 1 loaf challah bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1 ¼-inch slices
- 4 to 6 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more as needed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs and egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), ½ teaspoon cardamom and salt.
- Arrange challah slices in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour custard on top, and let sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 30 minutes, so the bread can absorb the custard, carefully flipping bread slices halfway through.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon and remaining ¼ teaspoon cardamom. Set aside.
- Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium, then add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Place 2 to 3 pieces soaked challah in skillet, making sure to not crowd the pan. Cook until golden on bottom, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle a little of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each slice, then flip and cook until bottom is glazed and browned, another 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates, glazed-side up. Repeat with remaining butter, challah and cinnamon sugar. Serve warm, with your choice of toppings.
Source
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020509-challah-french-toast-with-cinnamon-sugar-glaze