Description
This French Toast Bake is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast comfort food. It features cubes of bread soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked until golden and puffed. Perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or feeding a crowd at brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread ensures the best texture.
- For a crunchier topping, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar or chopped nuts on before baking.
- Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter custard base.
- Variations include Berry French Toast Bake, Apple Cinnamon, and Chocolate Chip.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 317 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg