Baked French Toast Recipe
If you have a soft spot for comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfasts, you are going to absolutely adore this Baked French Toast recipe. It’s the ultimate combination of custardy, cinnamon-kissed bread soaked to perfection and baked until golden with a just-caramelized crust. Every bite bursts with the warm flavors of maple syrup and spices, making it feel like a special occasion in every forkful. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a festive brunch, Baked French Toast brings a cozy, homey vibe straight to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to great Baked French Toast — each one plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors, textures, and richness that make this dish unforgettable.
- Bread: Brioche or sourdough (day-old works best) for a sturdy yet tender base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Eggs: Large eggs create the rich, silky custard that holds everything together perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess without overpowering the custard.
- Heavy cream: Brings extra richness to deepen the flavor and luxurious texture.
- Real maple syrup: Naturally sweet and aromatic, it’s essential for that authentic breakfast vibe.
- Brown sugar: Gives a subtle molasses note and helps caramelize the top.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a hint of floral sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with bread and maple.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch to deepen the spice palette with subtle earthiness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Melted butter: For greasing the dish and finishing the casserole with a golden sheen.
- Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet crunch and extra cinnamon punch.
- Chopped pecans: Add a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts the soft custard.
How to Make Baked French Toast
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with melted butter. This prevents sticking and lends a wonderful buttery crispness to the edges of your Baked French Toast.
Step 2: Cut the Bread
Slice your brioche or sourdough loaf into thick slices, then cut each slice in half diagonally to create charming triangles. This shape allows more edges to caramelize while baking, enhancing texture and appearance.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, real maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This custard blend is the heart of the dish, infusing every bite with creaminess, sweetness, and warming spices.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Arrange the bread triangles in your buttered dish in two or three neat rows, overlapping slightly. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight — this soak time is key for perfect custard penetration.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Once your oven preheats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the plastic wrap and let the casserole sit at room temperature to take the chill off. Then bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until the top is gorgeously golden brown and the edges have crisped just right. The aroma filling your kitchen is pure bliss.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
When your Baked French Toast emerges hot from the oven, brush it with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top, and scatter chopped pecans for crunch. A final drizzle of maple syrup adds a sticky-sweet finish that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Serve Baked French Toast
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the experience: a dusting of powdered sugar brightens the look, while fresh berries add a juicy burst of color and tartness that balances the sweet custard.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked French Toast with crispy bacon or sausage links to play savory off sweet. A refreshing green salad or fresh fruit salad can also provide a vibrant contrast for a well-rounded brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole family-style in the baking dish with small bowls of assorted toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, and flavored syrups. This lets everyone personalize their serving and adds a joyful, interactive element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for quick breakfasts or midday snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s ready to reheat without losing its delightful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and crispiness, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Microwave reheating is faster but may sacrifice some crispness, so use the oven when you have time.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for Baked French Toast?
Absolutely! While brioche and sourdough are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with challah, Texas toast, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak the custard without turning mushy.
Is it okay to soak the bread overnight?
Yes, an overnight soak in the custard actually improves the texture by allowing the bread to absorb more flavor. It makes for an easy, prepare-ahead breakfast that’s ready to bake first thing in the morning.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap the bread for a gluten-free variety that holds up well when soaked. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious gluten-free Baked French Toast.
What toppings work best?
Classic toppings like melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon sugar are always winners. Fresh fruits, nuts like pecans or walnuts, and a dollop of whipped cream also complement the dish beautifully.
Can I add extras like chocolate chips or fruit to the custard?
You can! Stir in some chocolate chips, sliced bananas, or berries between the bread layers before adding the custard for a fun twist. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid, which could affect the baking time and custard set.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to warm, fragrant Baked French Toast that feels both indulgent and welcoming all at once. This recipe is all about love on a plate — easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and enjoy every blissful bite of this classic breakfast treat.
PrintBaked French Toast Recipe
This Baked French Toast recipe transforms simple bread into a rich and indulgent breakfast casserole. Using a custard mixture infused with warm spices and real maple syrup, the bread is soaked overnight to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. Topped with melted butter, cinnamon sugar, and toasted pecans, this make-ahead dish is perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes soaking or overnight soaking)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or sourdough bread (can be day old)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- Melted butter, for serving
- Cinnamon sugar, for sprinkling
- Chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
- Grease the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of brioche or sourdough bread, then cut each slice in half diagonally into triangles for an attractive presentation and even baking.
- Make the custard mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, real maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Arrange the bread triangles in the prepared baking dish in two or three overlapping rows. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Soak overnight or at least 30 minutes: Refrigerate the covered casserole for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully; for best flavor and texture, soak overnight.
- Preheat oven and rest casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before baking to take the chill off and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown on the edges and top, and the custard is set.
- Serve and garnish: Once baked, serve warm topped with melted butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference.
- If you want a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter.
- Allowing the casserole to soak overnight enhances flavor and ensures a custardy texture.
- For added richness, top with whipped cream or fresh berries when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8th of the casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg
Keywords: baked french toast, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, custard soaked bread, maple syrup french toast
