If you love the cozy comfort of French toast but crave a little extra sweetness and surprise in every bite, you are going to adore this Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe. It cleverly captures the indulgent flavors of a classic jelly doughnut, with a crisp, golden exterior and a luscious jam center, all wrapped up in buttery goodness. This recipe is a whimsical twist on breakfast, perfect for weekends when you want to treat yourself or impress your friends with a dish that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible texture and flavor that make this Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe so special. From the buttery crust to the sweet strawberry jam and soft egg-dipped bread, every component works in harmony to delight your senses.
- White sandwich bread: Choose stale bread about 1.5cm thick to absorb the egg mixture without falling apart for a perfect golden crust.
- Strawberry jam: This provides the sweet, fruity filling at the heart of the sandwich, giving each bite that classic doughnut essence.
- Caster sugar: To coat the outside, adding a sweet crunch that mimics the sugared surface of a doughnut.
- Egg: Acts as the binding and gives that rich, custardy coating when cooked.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture to create the ideal consistency for dipping.
- Butter: For frying, it lends a rich flavor and helps achieve that golden brown, crisp finish.
How to Make Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread
To get the perfect shape and size reminiscent of a doughnut, optionally cut your white sandwich bread into rounds as large as possible. This step isn’t essential but adds charm and makes the final presentation extra fun.
Step 2: Add the Jam Filling
Spread about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam onto the center of three of the bread rounds. Make sure to leave about a 1cm border so the jam stays neatly inside when you close the sandwich. Then place the remaining bread rounds on top to form sandwiches that hold that sweet surprise inside.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg with the milk until combined. This mixture is what transforms the bread into that luscious, custardy coating we all crave in French toast.
Step 4: Prepare the Sugar Coating
Spread caster sugar onto a small plate. This will be used to coat the French toast once it’s cooked, adding the perfect sugary crunch and that classic jelly doughnut finish.
Step 5: Heat the Pan and Butter
Warm 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large non-stick pan until melted and bubbling. This helps you achieve that golden-brown color and rich flavor with every bite.
Step 6: Dip and Cook the Sandwiches
Quickly dip each side of the sandwich into the egg mixture, then roll the edges in it as well to fully coat your Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast. Place them carefully into the hot pan and cook for around 2 minutes on each side until deeply golden brown and irresistible.
Step 7: Coat with Sugar and Serve
As soon as you remove each sandwich from the pan, place it on the sugar-coated plate so the sugar sticks while the surface is still warm and buttery. This speedy step ensures that perfect sweet crunch on every side and edge, just like a real jelly doughnut. Serve warm or at room temperature and watch everyone’s faces light up!
How to Serve Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe

Garnishes
Adding fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can brighten up the dish beautifully. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate it further, turning this breakfast treat into a mesmerizing feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Pairing this luscious Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad creates a fantastic balance of sweet and savory. For an indulgent brunch, sides like creamy yogurt or a citrusy compote work wonderfully to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast sandwiches with some fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for an instagram-worthy stack. Alternatively, slicing them diagonally reveals the jam surprise inside and makes them easier to share and enjoy among friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps maintain their texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these French toast sandwiches individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, so you have a quick, delightful breakfast ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, use a toaster oven or regular oven set to medium heat, which keeps the sugar coating crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soggy and diminish that wonderful crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam pairs beautifully, raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jams are delicious alternatives that will add their own unique twist to the Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe.
What kind of bread works best?
White sandwich bread works best because of its soft texture and ability to absorb the egg mixture perfectly. Slightly stale bread is ideal as it prevents sogginess and helps create that classic French toast custard texture.
Is it necessary to cut the bread into rounds?
Cutting the bread into rounds is optional. It just replicates the shape of a doughnut and adds a fun presentation. You can simply use traditional slices if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the egg with a plant-based egg replacer and using a vegan butter alternative along with non-dairy milk, you can enjoy a vegan version of this Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe.
How do I prevent jam from leaking out?
Leaving about a 1cm border around the jam when spreading and gently pressing the sandwich edges together helps keep the jam from oozing out during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe is a heartwarming twist on two beloved classics, bringing together the best of both worlds in a dish that is fun, easy, and utterly delicious. It’s perfect for mornings when you want to start your day on a sweet note that feels like a cozy hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people!
Print
Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic French toast with these Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast sandwiches. Made by sandwiching strawberry jam between slices of bread, dipping them in an egg mixture, and pan-frying to golden perfection, these treats are then coated in sugar for that perfect sweet crunch. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they offer the nostalgic flavor of jelly doughnuts with the comforting texture of French toast.
Ingredients
Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast
- 6 slices white sandwich bread, stale, 1.5cm (0.6″) thick
- 3 tbsp strawberry jam
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Optional: Cut the bread into round shapes as large as possible for a doughnut-like appearance. This helps mimic the shape of a classic jelly doughnut.
- Make Jam Sandwiches: Spread 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam onto the center of 3 of the bread rounds, leaving about a 1cm (1/4″) edge to prevent the jam from leaking out. Then place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Mix Egg and Milk: In a small bowl, lightly beat together the egg and milk until well combined.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Spread the caster sugar evenly on a small plate for coating the cooked sandwiches.
- Heat Butter in Pan: Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat until bubbling and hot.
- Dip and Cook Sandwiches: Quickly dip each side of the jam sandwich in the egg mixture, including the edges, then place immediately in the hot pan. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
- Fry until Golden: Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until deep golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Sugar: Remove the sandwiches from the pan and promptly place them onto the sugar plate, coating all sides and edges while still warm to ensure the sugar sticks well.
- Serve: Enjoy the Jam Jelly Doughnut French Toast warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using stale bread helps prevent the sandwiches from becoming too soggy when dipped in the egg mixture.
- Cutting the bread into rounds mimics the traditional doughnut shape and is optional but adds a fun twist.
- The quicker you transfer the hot toast to the sugar, the better the sugar will adhere to the surface.
- For a variation, try other fruit jams such as raspberry or blueberry.
- Use caster sugar for a fine, even coating; granulated sugar can be substituted but may be coarser.

