French Toast Bake

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 lazy Saturday brunch, and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to the irresistible aroma and creamy texture.

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 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 over the top of the casserole.

Chill:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Bake:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove dish from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set.

Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

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Enjoying this on a chilly morning with the kids gathered around the table has become one of our weekend traditions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful breakfast spread.

Allergy Alternatives

Use gluten-free bread and dairy-free milk for dietary restrictions while keeping the flavor delicious.

Equipment Tips

A sturdy whisk makes combining the custard easy, and a glass baking dish ensures even baking.

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This French Toast Bake is an easy crowd-pleaser that's perfect for both special occasions and everyday mornings.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use different types of bread for this bake?

Yes, brioche or challah are ideal for their texture, but any firm day-old bread cubes work well to absorb the custard.

→ How long should the bread soak in the custard mixture?

It should soak at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator; overnight soaking yields deeper flavor and custard penetration.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, assembling it the night before and baking in the morning ensures a convenient warm breakfast.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

The melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon topping create a sweet crust; adding chopped nuts adds a nice crunch.

→ Are there alternatives to dairy ingredients?

Dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used along with suitable bread substitutions for dietary needs.