Torrija: Spain's Answer to French Toast

Torrija is a beloved traditional Spanish dessert, particularly popular in Seville and during Semana Santa. It is similar to French pain perdu — thick slices of bread soaked in flavoured milk or cream, then pan-fried until golden and caramelised. What distinguishes torrija is its soaking liquid, often infused with orange blossom water, cinnamon or citrus zest, giving it a distinctly floral, aromatic character. The bread must be thick enough to absorb the custard without falling apart, and the pan-frying should be gentle — slow in a mixture of oil and butter — to achieve a crisp golden crust while the interior stays soft, custardy and almost pudding-like.