Save A warm comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
I first made this French Toast Bake for a Sunday brunch and everyone went back for seconds. It quickly became our go-to recipe for holidays and special mornings.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah) cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Custard: 6 large eggs 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted 2 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Make Custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk heavy cream sugar vanilla extract cinnamon and salt until fully combined.
- Soak Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl mix melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm optionally with maple syrup fresh berries or powdered sugar.
Save This was the dish my kids helped me make for Mother’s Day breakfast. Their laughter as they cubed bread filled the kitchen with joy.
Required Tools
23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish mixing bowls whisk measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains eggs dairy and gluten (wheat). Check bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 40 g Protein: 10 g
Save Enjoy this French Toast Bake warm from the oven with maple syrup or your favorite toppings. Your breakfast table will feel cozy and inviting.
Kitchen Questions
- → What bread works best for the bake?
Day-old brioche or challah with a soft crumb hold the custard well and provide a rich flavor.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, soaking the bread cubes overnight in the custard deepens flavors and improves texture.
- → How do I achieve a golden top?
The melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon topping caramelize during baking, creating a golden crust.
- → Are there alternatives for dairy?
Substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk as needed.
- → What additions complement the dish?
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the topping for crunch and nutty flavor.