Get ready for a breakfast dish that feels like a cozy hug in the morning! This Baked French Toast is rich, custardy, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor. With a crisp, golden top and a soft, pillowy inside, it’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning. Plus, the best part? You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready—brunch doesn’t get much easier than that! Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, with the aroma of cinnamon filling your home, knowing that you’ve got a dish ready to pop in the oven that will delight everyone around the breakfast table.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday breakfast, a comforting meal on a rainy day, or a festive brunch for family and friends, this baked French toast has got you covered. The creamy, custard-soaked bread topped with a crunchy streusel creates a perfect contrast of textures that is hard to resist. You can make it even more special by letting everyone personalize their servings with an array of toppings, from fresh fruits to whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast
We’ve all made classic French toast on the stovetop, but have you ever tried baking it? This recipe is ideal for when you want to serve French toast to a crowd without the need to stand over a skillet flipping each piece. Baked French Toast is like the breakfast version of a comforting bread pudding—it’s creamy, spiced just right, and has a texture that melts in your mouth. Imagine waking up to the comforting smell of cinnamon wafting through the house, knowing that all you have to do is take it out of the fridge and bake. It’s a breakfast that’s sure to make everyone gather around the table, eager for that first bite.
Another reason to love this dish is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have everything assembled the night before, meaning you get to enjoy a relaxing morning without the hassle. If you’re hosting a brunch, this is a real crowd-pleaser, allowing you to spend more time with your guests rather than stuck in the kitchen. It’s the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread (about 14 oz)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How to Make the Best Baked French Toast
- Prep the Bread: Cut the day-old French bread into 1-inch thick slices, then into cubes. Using slightly stale bread works best here, as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. Place the bread cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t worry if some pieces are a little bigger than others—this rustic look adds to the charm of the dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined—this custard is what’ll make your French toast perfectly creamy and flavorful. You can even add a touch more vanilla if you love that classic warm flavor.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for the best results. The longer the bread soaks, the more custardy the final texture will be. If you’re in a rush, you can soak it for as little as 30 minutes, but overnight soaking makes it extra delicious.
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Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You’ll want to keep the butter cold to get that perfect streusel topping. This buttery, sugary topping will bake up beautifully crisp and make every bite extra special.
- Bake: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the fridge and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for about 50 minutes. If you like it a bit softer, bake for closer to 45 minutes; for a firmer texture, leave it in for the full 50 minutes. The smell that fills your kitchen as it bakes is heavenly—cinnamon, butter, and vanilla all mingling together.
- Serve: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries. The crispy top with the creamy interior is just irresistible, and the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg make this dish wonderfully comforting. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Tips and Tricks
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. Just soak the bread in the custard overnight and add the streusel topping in the morning before baking. This makes it an ideal option for holiday mornings when you’d rather be spending time with family.
- Bread Options: Day-old French bread works best, but you can also use brioche, challah, or even sourdough for a slightly different flavor. Brioche and challah make the dish even richer, while sourdough adds a bit of tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Just be sure the bread is a bit stale to hold up to the custard.
- Add Some Fruit: Try adding thinly sliced apples, fresh blueberries, or even chopped strawberries before soaking the bread. They’ll add extra sweetness and color to the dish, and the fruit becomes tender and juicy as it bakes.
- Nutty Topping: For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for some added crunch. The nuts toast as the French toast bakes, adding even more depth of flavor to each bite.
- Extra Flavor: If you want to switch up the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the custard for a different aromatic note.
When to Make Baked French Toast?
This Baked French Toast is ideal for any special morning—whether it’s a holiday like Christmas or Easter, a cozy Sunday breakfast, or even for entertaining guests. It’s also great for a brunch potluck, as it can be easily transported and reheated. The beauty of it is that you can prep everything the night before, leaving you more time in the morning to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Imagine serving this on a chilly winter morning, with the fire crackling in the background—it’s a scene straight out of a holiday movie.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting up a French toast topping bar! Put out bowls of fresh fruit, nuts, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and syrups so everyone can customize their servings. It’s a fun and interactive way to serve brunch that makes it feel even more special.
My Favorite Baked French Toast Variations
- Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast: Add 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to the custard mixture along with 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version. Top with a sprinkle of pepitas for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Baked French Toast: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread before adding the custard—it’s a decadent twist that’s perfect for a special treat. Savory French Toast Bake: Want a savory twist? Skip the sugar and spices, and instead add grated cheese, herbs, and cooked sausage or bacon for a breakfast casserole that’s more on the savory side. This version is great served with a side of fresh greens for a hearty brunch.
- Banana Pecan French Toast: Add sliced bananas between the layers of bread and sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking. The bananas caramelize as they bake, adding incredible flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this Baked French Toast without dairy?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk and cream with almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite non-dairy alternative. You can also use a plant-based butter for the streusel topping. The texture will still be rich and satisfying without any dairy. - Can I freeze Baked French Toast?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked French toast after adding the custard but before baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings. -
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-45 seconds. To keep the topping crispy, the oven is the best option.
- Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Fresh bread can make the French toast a bit soggy. If you only have fresh bread, try toasting it lightly in the oven for 10 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will help it hold up better to the custard and maintain the right texture. -
How can I make it extra crispy on top? To make the top extra crispy, you can broil the French toast for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but it will add a lovely crunch to the topping. You can also add a little extra butter to the topping to make it even more golden and crispy.
This Baked French Toast will become a staple in your home, whether it’s for a cozy morning or a festive celebration. With its rich flavors, make-ahead convenience, and ability to please a crowd, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your breakfast repertoire. So grab your maple syrup, get that bread soaking, and prepare for a truly comforting meal that everyone will love.
There’s something so comforting about a dish that brings everyone together in the morning—whether it’s kids eager for something sweet, adults who appreciate the convenience, or guests who feel treated to something special. This Baked French Toast ticks all the boxes for a perfect breakfast or brunch. Enjoy every warm, sweet bite!