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French Toast Bake

Featured in: Peaceful Morning Plates

This baked French toast dish transforms day-old bread into a rich, custard-soaked delight, highlighted by subtle notes of cinnamon and vanilla. Bread cubes are soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar before baking to a golden finish. The topping of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon adds a sweet, caramelized crust. Leaving the dish to chill before baking ensures deep flavor and perfect texture. Ideal served warm with fruit or syrup, it’s a comforting start to any day.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:08:00 GMT
Golden-brown French toast bake, a comforting breakfast casserole perfect for weekend brunch with fresh berries. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown French toast bake, a comforting breakfast casserole perfect for weekend brunch with fresh berries. | lovelyserena.com

A warm comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla

I first baked this French Toast Bake for a family brunch and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared It makes weekend mornings simple and brings everyone to the table

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 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 custard mixture evenly over bread cubes pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked
Add Topping:
In a small bowl mix melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon Drizzle mixture over the top of the casserole
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) Remove dish from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while oven heats
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until the 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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| lovelyserena.com

My kids love adding fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup each time we make this for a special breakfast together

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with maple syrup powdered sugar or fresh berries for an inviting brunch spread

Allergen Information

Contains eggs dairy and gluten (wheat) Check bread ingredients if allergies are a concern

Required Tools

23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish mixing bowls whisk measuring cups and spoons

This delicious French toast bake presents a custardy, baked bread pudding, topped with a sweet cinnamon crust. Save to Pinterest
This delicious French toast bake presents a custardy, baked bread pudding, topped with a sweet cinnamon crust. | lovelyserena.com

This casserole brings everyone together at the table for a warm satisfying start to any morning Enjoy every cozy bite

Ask About This Recipe

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old breads like brioche or challah are ideal as they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy.

→ Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, chilling the assembled bake overnight enhances flavor and texture, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

→ How do the cinnamon and vanilla contribute?

They add warm aromatic notes that complement the sweet custard and enrich the overall flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to add nuts to this bake?

Certainly, sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

→ What are suggested serving options?

Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and freshness.

→ Can dietary substitutions be made?

Dairy alternatives and gluten-free breads can be used to accommodate specific dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

French Toast Bake

Golden baked custardy bread with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for a cozy morning.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You Need

Bread

01 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Custard

01 6 large eggs
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare baking dish and bread: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Step 02

Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

Step 03

Soak bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.

Step 04

Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 05

Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for optimal flavor and texture.

Step 06

Preheat oven and rest: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven heats.

Step 07

Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 08

Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten (wheat). Verify bread ingredients if allergies apply.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 320
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 10 g