French Toast Waffles with Peach Sauce

Let me introduce you to a breakfast (or brunch) that’s been stealing the show at my table lately: French Toast Waffles with Peach Sauce. Yes, you read that right—it’s the beautiful mash-up of classic French toast and crispy, golden waffles, all topped with a sweet and juicy peach sauce that tastes like sunshine. If you’ve ever been torn between waffles and French toast on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe is here to end the dilemma.

This dish is perfect for slow Sunday mornings, special-occasion brunches, or honestly just those days when you want something comforting and a little bit indulgent but still easy to make. You don’t need a fancy waffle maker (just a basic one will do), and you don’t even need fresh peaches year-round—frozen or canned work great. The result? Crispy-edged, custardy-centered waffle slices soaked in vanilla-cinnamon batter and topped with warm, syrupy peaches. Basically a hug on a plate.

The first time I made this was kind of by accident—I had leftover brioche and was planning on French toast, but I’d just cleaned my nonstick pan and didn’t want to dirty it again. So I threw the slices in my waffle iron, and the result blew me away. The little waffle pockets crisped up perfectly, the inside stayed soft and custardy, and the peach sauce on top sealed the deal. Now I make it every time I want something cozy, a little fancy, and surprisingly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, soft inside – The waffle iron gives you those irresistible crispy edges, while the inside stays fluffy and rich like classic French toast.
• Peachy perfection – The homemade peach sauce is sweet, tangy, and tastes like summer in a spoon.
• Great for special mornings – Ideal for brunch parties, birthdays, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights.
• Easy to prep ahead – The peach sauce can be made in advance, and the French toast batter takes just minutes to mix up.
• Flexible with ingredients – Use whatever bread or peaches you have on hand—fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
• Kid-approved – Little ones love the texture and sweetness, especially when you let them pour their own sauce on top.
• No frying involved – No need to babysit a pan or worry about uneven cooking—just close the waffle maker and let it do the work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thick-cut bread – Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best. You want bread that can hold up to the custard and get those golden waffle crevices. Slightly stale bread actually works even better.

Eggs – The base of your custard. They help the bread firm up and give that rich French toast flavor.

Milk – Whole milk is great, but any kind works (even dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk).

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and sweetness. Don’t skip this—it really makes the custard taste like French toast, not just eggy bread.

Cinnamon – A little spice brings out the cozy, comforting vibe.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.

Peaches – Fresh, frozen, or canned—all are fair game. If using canned, go for those packed in juice or light syrup.

Butter – For cooking the peaches and adding a rich base to the sauce.

Brown sugar – Sweetens the peach sauce and gives it that caramel-like depth.

Lemon juice – A splash of acid to brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness.

Cornstarch (optional) – If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch helps without making it too goopy.

Maple syrup (optional) – For serving. Totally optional, but adds a beautiful finish.

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Make the peach sauce
Start with the sauce so it’s ready when the waffles come out hot. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add your peaches (peeled and sliced if using fresh), 1/3 cup of brown sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let everything simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are soft and syrupy—about 8–10 minutes. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in during the last few minutes. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: Make the custard
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This is your French toast batter. If you’re using a large loaf, cut your bread into thick slices—about 3/4 to 1 inch works well.

Step 3: Preheat your waffle iron
While the custard rests for a minute, plug in your waffle maker and let it heat up. If your iron tends to stick, give it a quick spray or brush with melted butter or neutral oil.

Step 4: Dip and cook the toast
Dip one slice of bread at a time into the custard mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds on each side (longer if your bread is stale). Lift it out, let the excess drip off, and place it in the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid gently (don’t squish it!) and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes depending on your waffle maker.

Step 5: Repeat and keep warm
Continue cooking all your slices, keeping finished waffles warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) if needed. This keeps them crispy while you finish the batch.

Step 6: Assemble and serve
Stack your waffles on a plate, spoon the warm peach sauce generously over the top, and drizzle with maple syrup if you’d like. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch.

Helpful Tips

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart. If your bread is fresh and super soft, let the slices sit out for 30–60 minutes or toast them lightly before dipping.

Frozen peaches? No problem! Just thaw them slightly and cook as directed. They break down a little faster than fresh, which makes a saucy topping. Canned peaches work too—just drain them first and skip adding extra sugar if they’re already sweetened.

Waffle iron tricks: Every waffle maker is a little different. Keep an eye on the steam—when it slows down, it’s usually a sign your waffle is done. If it opens too early, it might stick.

Want it thicker? If you like a more syrupy sauce, let the peach mixture simmer a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) at the end.

Make it ahead: The peach sauce keeps well in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat it gently before serving. You can also make the custard in advance and store it in the fridge overnight.

Freezer-friendly: Cook extra French toast waffles, let them cool completely, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a quick breakfast anytime.

Serving ideas: These are great on their own but also amazing with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, toasted almonds, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re going full dessert mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular sandwich bread?
You can, but it won’t hold up as well in the waffle maker and might come out a little soggy. Thicker bread like brioche or challah works best for that nice contrast of crispy outside and soft inside.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Totally! Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), skip the butter in the sauce or sub in vegan butter, and make sure your bread is dairy-free.

What if I don’t have a waffle maker?
No worries—just cook it like traditional French toast in a pan over medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. It won’t have the same texture, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely. Try this with apples, pears, cherries, or berries. You can even mix and match—peach and raspberry is a lovely combo.

How long does the sauce last?
The peach sauce will keep in the fridge for 4–5 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

A Brunch-Worthy Treat You’ll Want Again and Again

These French Toast Waffles with Peach Sauce are the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re eating breakfast in a cozy café, even if you’re still in your pajamas. I make them any time I want something that feels a little fancy but isn’t fussy. They’re just the right mix of crispy, sweet, fruity, and warm—basically everything I love about breakfast in one plate.

If you give them a try, let me know how they turn out! Tag me with your creations or drop a comment with your favorite toppings—I love seeing how people make this their own.