Save to Pinterest A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.
This recipe has become a family favorite for weekend breakfasts where everyone loves the cozy flavors.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 450 g) brioche or challah, day-old, sliced thick
- Custard: 4 large eggs, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cardamom, Pinch of salt
- Topping: 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional Garnishes: Maple syrup, Powdered sugar, Fresh berries
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
- Step 5:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Step 7:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 8:
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
Save to Pinterest We enjoy this baked French toast during chilly mornings, gathering around the table as the aroma fills the kitchen.
Notes
For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. Substitute half-and-half for the milk cream mixture if preferred. Try adding diced apples or pears between bread layers for extra flavor. For a vegan version, use plant milk, egg replacer, and vegan bread.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Small bowl, Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten). May contain Tree nuts if added as variation. Always check bread and ingredient labels for allergens.
Save to Pinterest This soft spice baked French toast casserole is a perfect blend of cozy flavors that warms both the heart and home.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah sliced thickly provides the softest, custardy texture and absorbs the custard well.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom add warm, aromatic notes that complement the creamy custard and enhance the overall richness.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, covering and refrigerating the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight deepens flavor and ensures thorough soaking.
- → What are good toppings to serve with this dish?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon create delightful contrasts and sweetness.
- → Can substitutions be made for dairy or eggs?
Plant-based milks and egg replacers can be used for a vegan version, while maintaining the essential custardy texture and flavor.