Gourmet Dutch Speculaas French Toast on the Arteflame Grill

Imagine the warming aroma of spiced cookies and caramelized sugar drifting through the crisp morning air as you stand by your grill. This Dutch Speculaas French Toast recipe is not just a breakfast; it is a celebration of texture and flavor, bringing the rich, spiced heritage of the Netherlands to your backyard cooking. By using the Arteflame grill, you achieve a result that a standard kitchen pan simply cannot replicate: a perfectly seared, slightly smoky exterior that gives way to a custard-soaked, creamy center. The high heat of the plancha cooktop locks in the moisture while caramelizing the crumbled Speculaas cookies into the crust. Whether you are hosting a festive holiday brunch or simply treating yourself on a slow Sunday, this dish combines the nostalgia of traditional baking with the visceral joy of outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 8 slices of thick-cut bread (Brioche, Challah, or Texas Toast work best)
• 4 large Eggs
• 1 cup Whole Milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Speculaas cookies, finely crushed
• 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
• 1 tbsp Butter (for the grill)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Arteflame

1. Start by building a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center grate is extremely hot and the outer flat-top griddle (plancha) reaches a medium-high cooking temperature.
2. Aim for a temperature zone where water droplets sizzle and dance but do not instantly evaporate.
3. Wipe the cooktop down with a little oil to ensure a non-stick surface, preparing it for the butter.

Step 2: Create the Custard

1. In a large, wide mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow.
2. If you want an extra kick of spice, whisk in the optional cinnamon now.
3. Ensure the bowl is wide enough to lay a slice of bread flat for even soaking.

Step 3: The Dip and Coat

1. Place the finely crushed Speculaas cookies on a separate flat plate.
2. Dip a slice of bread into the egg custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. You want it saturated but not falling apart.
3. Immediately press one side of the soaked bread into the crushed Speculaas cookies to create a crust.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

1. Melt a knob of butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame.
2. Place the bread onto the hot butter, cookie-crust side down first. The sugar in the cookies will caramelize instantly.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until the custard is set and the bread puffs up slightly.

Step 5: Plating

1. Remove the French toast from the grill and stack on a warm plate.
2. Serve immediately while the crust is still crunchy.

Tips

Mastering French toast on the Arteflame is all about heat management. Because the flat top griddle has different heat zones, you have complete control over the caramelization process. Start searing near the center where the heat is higher to lock in the cookie crust, then move the slices toward the outer edge to finish cooking the inside without burning the sugars. Another pro-tip is to use day-old bread. Fresh bread contains too much moisture and can become soggy when dipped in the custard. Leaving your bread out on the counter overnight dries it out, allowing it to act like a sponge for the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor profile. Finally, don't crush the Speculaas cookies into dust; leave a few small chunks for a delightful textural crunch in every bite.

Variations

While the classic Speculaas flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser, the versatility of the Arteflame allows you to experiment with various twists on this recipe. You can easily adapt the sweetness or texture depending on your audience. For a more decadent dessert-style breakfast, try stuffing the bread or adding fruit. If you cannot find traditional Dutch Speculaas cookies, Biscoff cookies or high-quality gingersnaps make an excellent substitute that still provides that warming spice kick. Here are a few creative ways to remix this recipe:

• Stuffed Speculaas: Spread cream cheese or almond paste between two slices before dipping and grilling.
• Berry Blast: Top with fresh berries macerated in orange liqueur while the toast cooks.
• The Boozy Brunch: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the egg custard.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix crushed pecans or sliced almonds into the cookie crumble for added texture.
• Zesty Twist: Add fresh orange zest to the custard to cut through the richness.

Best pairings

To create a balanced breakfast experience, you want to pair the sweet, spiced richness of the Speculaas French Toast with beverages and sides that provide contrast. The deep caramel notes of the cookies pair exceptionally well with roasted coffee flavors or the bitterness of a strong espresso. If you are serving this for a hearty brunch, savory sides are essential to cleanse the palate between sweet bites. The smoky flavor imparted by the Arteflame grill ties everything together beautifully. Consider these options to round out your table:

• Thick-cut, hickory-smoked bacon (grilled right alongside the toast).
• A dark roast coffee or a creamy latte.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice or mimosas.
• Grilled peach halves or caramelized bananas.
• A dollop of slightly unsweetened Greek yogurt to balance the sugar.

Conclusion

There is something undeniably magical about cooking breakfast outdoors, especially when the menu features the warming, aromatic spices of Dutch Speculaas. This recipe transforms a simple staple into a gourmet experience, leveraging the unique searing capabilities of the Arteflame grill to create a texture that is crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. It captures the essence of comfort food while adding a sophisticated twist that will impress any guest. Whether you are enjoying a quiet morning alone with a cup of coffee or feeding a hungry crowd, this Dutch Speculaas French Toast is sure to become a requested favorite. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the sweet taste of tradition reinvented.