Place the brioche bread slices on a tray for several minutes before cooking. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better. Fresh bread can become too soft quickly and may break apart during dipping and cooking.

Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until smooth completely. Add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, melted butter and salt. Mix everything together carefully until creamy and fully combined without lumps remaining.

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat before cooking the toast. Add a small amount of butter and allow it to melt slowly. Proper heat helps create golden crispy edges without burning the soft bread surface.

Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture carefully on both sides. Let the bread soak briefly without becoming overly soft. The bread should absorb enough mixture for creamy flavor while still holding its shape nicely.

Place the soaked bread slices onto the warm buttered skillet carefully. Cook for about three minutes until golden brown underneath. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla will begin filling your kitchen during this cooking step beautifully.

Flip each slice gently using a spatula once the bottom becomes golden brown. Cook the other side for several more minutes. The center should remain soft while the outside develops light crispy buttery texture and rich flavor.

Transfer cooked French toast onto a warm plate while finishing the remaining slices. Add extra butter to the skillet between batches if needed. Keeping everything warm helps maintain soft texture and fresh comforting flavor before serving.

Place warm French toast onto serving plates carefully before adding toppings. Dust powdered sugar lightly over the toast and drizzle with maple syrup generously. Fresh berries, bananas or whipped cream also taste wonderful with this recipe.

Serve the IHOP-style French toast immediately while warm and fluffy. The crispy buttery edges taste best fresh from the skillet. Pair with coffee, juice or fresh fruit for a comforting homemade breakfast everyone will enjoy together.