Skip to content

Spain · Dessert

Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)

30 min
570 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 7, 2026

Torrijas (Spanish French Toast)🇪🇸AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

7 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Torrijas (Spanish French Toast). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Compare these dishes: Arme Ritter (Poor Knights' Pudding / German French Toast)Same technique: Fried sweet dough25 recipes from 13 countriesSee all 7 matches

Torrijas are Spain's cherished version of French toast, a comforting dessert especially popular during Lent and Easter. Thick slices of stale bread are soaked in sweetened, spiced milk, then dipped in egg and fried until golden, finally coated in sugar and cinnamon.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Torrijas from another cuisine is Arme Ritter (Germany): the two share 53% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    In a saucepan, combine 500ml of whole milk, 100g of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 strip of lemon peel. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the milk is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it infuse for 10 minutes.

  • 2

    Arrange the 8 slices of stale white bread (each 2cm thick) in a single layer in a shallow dish. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel, then pour the warm infused milk over the bread. Soak 1 minute per side, turning once, until the slices are saturated but still hold their shape. Lift them onto a tray so they do not keep absorbing milk. Handle them gently, as they are fragile.

  • 3

    Prepare your frying station. In a separate shallow bowl, lightly beat 2 large eggs. Heat about 200ml of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering, 175°C (350°F).

  • 4

    Carefully take a soaked bread slice from the tray, letting any excess milk drip off, then gently dip it into the beaten egg, coating both sides. Be quick and gentle; you want to coat it, not let it disintegrate.

  • 5

    Place the egg-dipped slice into the hot olive oil. Fry 2-3 slices at a time, depending on your pan size, for 2 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden brown. The oil should bubble gently around the edges.

  • 6

    Once golden, remove the torrijas from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This is a crucial step to prevent them from becoming greasy.

  • 7

    In a small, clean bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder with a few tablespoons of sugar (to taste, about 50g extra). While the torrijas are still warm, roll each one generously in this cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring an even coating.

  • 8

    Serve the torrijas immediately, while still warm. They are wonderful on their own or can be accompanied by a dollop of honey, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a light custard sauce. Enjoy this taste of Spanish tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Torrijas?

Torrijas are a Spanish dessert consisting of bread soaked in milk infused with cinnamon and lemon peel, then dipped in egg and fried in olive oil. They are traditionally consumed during Lent and Easter.

What is the best type of bread to use for authentic Torrijas?

For traditional Torrijas, use day-old bread, ideally a dense country loaf or a special 'pan para torrijas'. Stale bread absorbs the milk mixture without falling apart, resulting in a firm yet tender texture.

How long should the bread slices be soaked in the milk mixture to achieve the perfect texture?

Soak each slice just long enough to be thoroughly saturated but not mushy, 1 minute per side. The goal is for the bread to be fully hydrated but still hold its shape.

What's the best way to fry Torrijas for a golden-brown exterior and creamy interior?

Fry them in hot olive oil (175°C / 350°F) over medium heat, 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. This quick frying creates a slight crust while the inside warms through and stays custard-like.

How are Torrijas traditionally finished and what's a common mistake when serving them?

Traditionally, Torrijas are immediately coated in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon powder after frying, and sometimes drizzled with honey. A common mistake is serving them cold; they are best enjoyed warm to appreciate their rich, custardy texture.

Keep exploring