Save A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
Whenever we host weekend brunch, this French toast bake takes center stage. I love how the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon fills the whole kitchen as it bakes, making everyone excited for breakfast.
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
- Prepare the 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.
- Prepare Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard:
- 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.
- Refrigerate:
- 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 The first time I made this recipe, my kids loved helping me press down the bread cubes and sprinkle the topping. It became a Sunday morning ritual that everyone looks forward to.
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). Always verify bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 320, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 10 g
Save This French toast bake is the perfect way to make everyone happy at breakfast. Leftovers taste great reheated for next day snacks.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, brioche or challah work best due to their texture, but other day-old breads can be used for a hearty custard soak.
- → Is refrigerating the dish overnight necessary?
Chilling overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a creamier, more evenly set bake.
- → How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be golden brown and the custard fully set but still tender when gently shaken.
- → Can I add nuts or toppings?
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- → Are there dairy-free options?
Dairy-free milk and cream alternatives can be used to suit dietary preferences without compromising taste.