Baked 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.
- Author: Leo
- 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
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
- 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