Save A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.
This baked French toast casserole has become my go-to for cozy mornings when I want something delicious but effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 450 g) brioche or challah day-old sliced thick
- Custard: 4 large eggs 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground cardamom Pinch of salt
- Topping: 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter melted 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional Garnishes: Maple syrup Powdered sugar Fresh berries
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish overlapping slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon ginger nutmeg cardamom and salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
- Step 5:
- In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Step 7:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 8:
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly Serve warm topped with maple syrup powdered sugar or fresh berries as desired.
Save This dish always brings my family together for a warm and cozy breakfast on the weekends.
Notes
Try adding diced apples or pears between bread layers for extra flavor For a vegan version use plant milk egg replacer and vegan bread
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Large mixing bowl Whisk Small bowl Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk (Dairy) Wheat (Gluten) May contain Tree nuts if added as variation Always check bread and ingredient labels for allergens
Save This baked French toast casserole is the perfect blend of ease and comfort for any morning meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah sliced thickly holds the custard well and bakes to a soft, custardy texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, after assembling, refrigerate overnight to enhance flavor and ensure thorough custard absorption.
- → What spices are used for the flavor profile?
A warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom creates a cozy aromatic base.
- → Are there any suggested toppings?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, and powdered sugar complement the spiced sweetness nicely.
- → Can I customize the custard dairy ingredients?
Substituting half-and-half or vegan alternatives works well to suit dietary preferences.