Save The first time I scrolled past this viral recipe, I was skeptical—yogurt on toast sounded unnecessarily complicated. But then a friend made it for me on a lazy Sunday morning, and watching the custard puff up slightly in the oven while fresh berries glistened on top completely changed my mind. Now I find myself making it whenever I want to feel like I've done something special before noon, even though it takes barely more time than scrambling eggs.
I made this for my partner's birthday breakfast, arranging the berries like I was plating at a fancy restaurant, and they laughed at my sudden culinary precision. The whole thing took less time than a coffee run, and somehow that made it feel even more thoughtful—not because it was complicated, but because the simplicity meant I'd actually followed through on the idea instead of talking about it for weeks.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended): The bread is your foundation—anything thin will get soggy and collapse under the custard, so choose something sturdy enough to hold weight without becoming dense or dry.
- 2/3 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla): Greek yogurt's thickness is the whole point; regular yogurt is too thin and won't set properly in the oven.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything and gives the custard structure so it doesn't just ooze off the toast.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Honey adds floral sweetness, while maple syrup brings earthiness—pick whichever matches your mood that morning.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Use real vanilla, not imitation; you'll taste the difference when everything else is so simple and clean.
- 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced: Fresh fruit works best because it stays vibrant and doesn't turn to mush, though frozen berries work in a pinch if you thaw them first.
- 1/2 cup blueberries: They stay plump and don't bleed into the custard the way some softer berries do.
- 1/2 banana, sliced: Add it just before serving so it doesn't oxidize and turn brown on you.
- Powdered sugar and chopped nuts (optional): These are your finishing touches—pistachios add a subtle bitterness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Instructions
- Get Your Oven Ready:
- Heat to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup feel like less of a chore than it actually is.
- Arrange Your Bread:
- Lay the slices flat on the sheet, spacing them so they're not touching and can bake evenly on all sides.
- Create the Wells:
- Press down the center of each slice with a spoon, making a shallow bowl shape while keeping the edges intact so they can crisp up. Don't press too hard or you'll crack the bread.
- Mix the Custard:
- Whisk the yogurt, egg, honey, and vanilla until it's smooth and creamy with no lumps—this takes maybe a minute. The mixture should feel silky, not grainy.
- Fill the Toasts:
- Divide the custard evenly among the wells, filling each one generously but not so much that it spills over when it bakes and puffs up slightly.
- Top with Fruit:
- Add your berries and banana slices while the custard is still in the wells, so they sink slightly into the mixture and stay put.
- Bake Until Set:
- Watch for 12 to 15 minutes—you're looking for the custard to set with just a tiny jiggle in the center, and the bread edges should turn golden. Overbaking dries everything out.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let it cool for a minute or two so you don't burn your mouth, then dust with powdered sugar and nuts if you're feeling fancy. Eat it warm.
Save One morning I pulled a batch out of the oven and the kitchen smelled like honey and warm bread, and my kid came downstairs asking what I was making that smelled 'like fancy.' That single word—fancy—made me realize this recipe had done exactly what I wanted: turned five minutes of actual work into something that felt like a moment.
Fruit Variations That Actually Work
Berries are the obvious choice, but I've had great success with peaches and raspberries, which add different textures and flavors depending on the season. Mango is surprisingly good too—the tartness cuts through the sweetness in an interesting way. The only rule is that your fruit shouldn't be so wet that it creates a puddle of liquid on top, so stone fruits and firm berries are your safest bets.
Making It Dairy-Free or Egg-Free
Coconut yogurt works as a substitute if you need dairy-free, though it's slightly less stable and the custard might be a touch looser. For eggs, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes) binds everything together just fine. The custard won't be quite as custardy, but it still sets and tastes delicious.
Making This Feel Like Breakfast or Dessert
I've served this straight from the oven for breakfast and also chilled it and topped it with whipped cream for dessert, and honestly it works both ways. The line between the two is thinner than you'd think—it's really just about whether you want warmth or coldness, and whether you're eating it at 9am or 9pm.
- For dessert, chill it completely, top with extra honey drizzle, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or more yogurt.
- For breakfast, serve it warm straight from the oven while the toast is still crispy on the edges.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in a toaster oven and taste almost as good the next day, though the toast will be softer.
Save This recipe became a staple in my kitchen because it proved that something beautiful doesn't have to be complicated. It's the kind of thing you make when you want to feel good about breakfast without it taking half your morning.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah holds the custard well and provides a soft, rich base.
- → Can I use dairy-free yogurt?
Yes, coconut yogurt works well paired with a flax egg as an egg substitute for a dairy-free variation.
- → How long should I bake the toast?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the custard is set and edges turn golden brown.
- → What fruits can I substitute?
Try raspberries, peaches, mango, or other fresh fruits to suit your taste or seasonal availability.
- → How can I add extra sweetness?
Drizzle additional honey or maple syrup over the toast before serving for enhanced sweetness.