How to Make Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast) – A French Pastry Recipe for a Café-Style Breakfast

A Taste of French Indulgence

Picture this: It’s a lazy weekend morning, and the aroma of toasted almonds and warm brioche fills the air. You take a bite of a crispy, golden slice coated with rich almond cream, and suddenly, you’re transported to a quaint Parisian café. That’s the magic of Bostock, a classic French pastry that turns day-old brioche into an irresistible treat.

Bostock is the perfect fusion of French toast and almond croissants—buttery, nutty, and lightly sweetened. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this delightful pastry pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to create authentic Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast) from scratch, including step-by-step instructions, ingredients in grams, and nutritional details. Let’s dive into this delectable French pastry and give new life to your leftover brioche!

What is Bostock? A French Classic with a Twist

Bostock is a traditional French pastry that originated in Normandy. It was created as a way to repurpose stale brioche by coating it with almond syrup, frangipane (almond cream), and sliced almonds, then baking it to crispy perfection.

Think of it as a luxurious version of French toast, but instead of soaking the bread in eggs and milk, you brush it with almond syrup and top it with a creamy almond mixture. This technique gives the bread a delicate crunch while keeping it moist and flavorful.

Today, Bostock is a beloved pastry in French bakeries and is slowly gaining popularity worldwide. With its buttery texture, nutty flavor, and caramelized top, it’s easy to see why food lovers everywhere are falling for this elegant treat.

Ingredients for Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast)

Before we start, gather these simple ingredients.

For the Brioche Base:

• 4 slices brioche bread (day-old, about 50g per slice)

For the Almond Syrup:

• 50g sugar
• 120ml water
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract

For the Frangipane (Almond Cream):

• 100g almond flour
• 75g unsalted butter (softened)
• 75g sugar
• 1 egg (large, about 50g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract

For Topping:

• 50g sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Bostock

Step 1: Prepare the Almond Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extract.
4. Let the syrup cool slightly while you prepare the frangipane.

Step 2: Make the Frangipane (Almond Cream)

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg, then whisk until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the almond flour, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until you get a smooth paste.

Step 3: Assemble the Bostock

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the brioche slices on the baking sheet and brush each slice generously with the almond syrup.
3. Spread a thick layer of frangipane on top of each slice.
4. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds, pressing them lightly into the cream.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
3. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness (optional).

Why You’ll Love Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast)

1. It’s a Great Way to Use Leftover Brioche

Instead of tossing out day-old brioche, transform it into something delicious! The almond syrup rehydrates the bread while the frangipane adds a creamy texture.

2. No Cooking Skills Required

Unlike traditional French toast, there’s no need to soak, flip, or fry anything. Simply assemble and bake—it’s foolproof!

3. Pairs Perfectly with Coffee or Tea

If you love pastries with your morning coffee, Bostock is a match made in heaven. The toasted almonds and buttery brioche complement any hot beverage.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Slice)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	6g
Fat	18g
Sugar	15g
Fiber	2g

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bostock

✅ Use quality brioche: The better the bread, the better the taste! Homemade or bakery brioche works best.

✅ Don’t skip the almond syrup: It keeps the bread moist and enhances the flavor.

✅ Make it ahead: You can prepare the almond cream in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

✅ Experiment with flavors: Try adding a bit of cinnamon, orange zest, or chocolate chips to the almond cream for a twist.

Read More:Tarte Tatin French Toast: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast)

1. What is Bostock, and where does it come from?

Bostock is a classic French pastry made with day-old brioche bread, almond cream, and sliced almonds, baked until golden and crispy. It originated in France as a way to repurpose stale brioche into a delicious breakfast or dessert.

2. Can I make Bostock without brioche bread?

Yes! While brioche is the best choice due to its rich, buttery flavor, you can substitute it with challah, croissants, or any soft, slightly sweet bread.

3. Can I prepare Bostock in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the brioche slices with almond cream and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Bake them fresh the next morning for the best texture.

4. Is there a dairy-free version of Bostock?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and almond flour to create a dairy-free version of Bostock without compromising on flavor.

5. How do I store leftover Bostock?

Store leftover Bostock in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

6. Can I add other toppings to my Bostock?

Definitely! You can add fresh berries, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Some people also drizzle honey or maple syrup for added flavor.

7. What is the best way to serve Bostock?

Bostock pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can serve it warm for breakfast or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8. Can I use store-bought almond paste instead of making almond cream?

Yes, store-bought almond paste can work in a pinch. However, homemade almond cream (frangipane) offers a fresher and richer taste.

 

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate French Treat

Bostock is the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and nutty flavors. It’s easy to make, looks fancy, and is a fantastic way to use up leftover brioche.

So, the next time you want to impress your family or treat yourself to a café-style breakfast, give this recipe a try. Once you taste Bostock, it’s hard to go back!

Thank You for Being Here!

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to explore this blog post! Your support and curiosity about delicious food inspire me to keep sharing amazing recipes. I hope you found this post helpful and feel excited to try making Bostock (Almond Brioche Toast) at home.

If you have any questions or feedback, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Keep cooking, keep exploring, and most importantly—keep enjoying great food!

Happy cooking! 😊