Deliciously Easy French Toast Bake Recipe for Cozy Mornings

There was this chilly weekend morning when I whipped up this French Toast Bake recipe, and the whole family gathered around laughing and sharing stories over the warm, custard-soaked bread. It wasn’t just about the food but that cozy feeling of coming together. This recipe fits right into real home cooking because it’s simple, uses ingredients I always have on hand, and delivers that homemade touch everyone craves.

I remember once, when time was tight on a busy weekend, this baked French toast with maple syrup saved the day. Instead of a rushed breakfast, I put this easy breakfast bake together the night before, and in the morning, it was just a matter of popping it in the oven. The smells that filled the kitchen were amazing, and everyone needed a second helping. That’s why this French Toast Bake recipe is a keeper for me—it’s reliable, fuss-free, and delicious.

If you’re looking for a sweet breakfast casserole that feels like a treat without demanding too much time or fancy ingredients, you’re in the right place. This custard soaked bread bake is all about comfort and ease. So let’s get cooking, and I promise you’ll have a French Toast Bake recipe to count on whenever you want a warm, welcoming meal that brings people back to the table.

For more inspiration on easy comfort foods, you might like the TikTok baked feta pasta with pesto I shared recently. It’s another simple dish that fills the kitchen with good smells and happy bellies.

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients for French Toast Bake recipe including eggs, bread, milk, and spices

Here’s the simple shopping list for your French Toast Bake recipe:

  • 1 loaf of day-old bread (about 10 cups cubed; French or brioche work great)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Maple syrup for serving

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream—I often swap it for more milk in my French Toast Bake recipe with just a slight difference in creaminess. You can find most of these ingredients at your regular grocery store—milk and eggs in the dairy aisle, spices on the shelves, and bread in the bakery or bread aisle.

One helpful prep shortcut is cubing the bread the night before and storing it in an airtight container. This French Toast Bake recipe stays budget-friendly too because it mostly uses pantry staples and leftover bread rather than fancy ingredients.

If you happen to have some frozen berries or nuts handy, feel free to sprinkle them on top for variety. I like adding a bit more cinnamon than the recipe calls for—it makes the flavors pop just right.

Extra baked French toast? Wrap it well and store in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats nicely in the oven or toaster oven without losing that delicious custard-soaked texture.

Let’s Make It Together:

  1. Prepare Your Bread
    Start by cubing your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Day-old bread is perfect because it absorbs the custard better than fresh. This step is key to achieving a custard-soaked bread bake that’s soft inside but holds its shape.
  2. Mix the Custard
    In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This custard is the heart of your French Toast Bake recipe, so whisk until everything’s fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Bread and Custard
    Place bread cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly to help the bread soak up the custard. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, cover and refrigerate overnight for that perfect overnight French toast casserole.
  4. Bake
    Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you did the overnight soak, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20-30 minutes until the top is golden and the custard has set.
  5. Serve
    Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—warm spices and sweet vanilla fill the air. Serve slices with warm maple syrup drizzled on top.

From start to finish, this French Toast Bake recipe takes about an hour if you’re soaking the bread the same day—overnight makes mornings even easier. While it’s baking, I like to set the table or make a quick fruit salad. Don’t worry if your French Toast Bake recipe looks a little soft after baking—that’s just the custard doing its magic.

This is where I used to rush my French Toast Bake recipe, but letting it soak overnight really pays off. It makes the texture more custardy and flavorful, every single time.

If you want to see another take on baked French toast, check out this baked French toast recipe from The Pioneer Woman for a nice comparison in technique and flavor.

How to Serve & Enjoy:

This French Toast Bake recipe is such a crowd-pleaser because it pairs wonderfully with simple breakfast sides like crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or even scrambled eggs.

My favorite way to serve this French Toast Bake recipe is on weekend mornings when we have guests. Everyone loves grabbing a cozy slice topped with warm maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.

Presentation tip: sprinkle powdered sugar or chopped nuts on top before serving for a little extra charm. For a seasonal spin, I’ve added sliced apples and a dash of caramel sauce in the fall—it’s a sweet breakfast casserole that feels like a treat.

Leftovers? Reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave and top with a spoonful of jam or berries for breakfast-on-the-go.

Friends and family always ask for this French Toast Bake recipe when brunch rolls around. It’s easy, tasty, and makes any morning feel special without any fuss.

If you want some extra brunch ideas, you might enjoy this TikTok baked feta pasta with pesto as a savory option alongside your sweet breakfast casserole.

Your Questions Answered:

Can I make this French Toast Bake recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before as an overnight French toast casserole is my favorite approach. It makes the bread soak up all the custard flavors and saves you time in the morning.

What’s a good substitute for heavy cream in this French Toast Bake recipe?
Milk works just fine if you don’t have heavy cream. It might be a little less rich, but the difference is subtle. Some friends have also used half-and-half successfully.

How do I adjust this French Toast Bake recipe for more or fewer people?
Easy! Just scale your ingredients up or down, keeping the basic ratios of eggs, milk, and bread consistent. Use a larger or smaller baking dish accordingly. I’ve made mini versions in muffin tins for a crowd and they were a hit.

Can I add fruit or nuts to this custard soaked bread bake?
Yes! Fresh berries, chopped apples, or toasted nuts make great additions. I like to sprinkle fruit on top before baking or mix nuts into the custard for extra texture.

What’s the best bread to use in the French Toast Bake recipe?
Day-old French bread or brioche works perfectly because of the sturdy crumb and flavor. But really, use whatever bread you have—challah, sourdough, or even sandwich bread can work.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Let the bread soak overnight for best results. Also, pressing the bread gently into the custard really helps it soak evenly. Baking uncovered in the last half of the cooking time helps the top crisp up nicely.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture.

For more inspiration and tips, check out this version of baked French toast on Facebook where Paula Deen shares her go-to brunch casserole. It’s always fun comparing notes with fellow home cooks.

Final Thoughts:

This French Toast Bake recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s dependable, comforting, and brings people together around the table. Whether I’m making it for a weekend family breakfast or a holiday brunch, it never disappoints.

My Best French Toast Bake recipe Tips:
1. Use day-old bread for the perfect custardy texture.
2. Let the custard soak overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
3. Don’t skip the cinnamon—it adds wonderful warmth to the dish.

In trying different versions, I’ve experimented with adding fresh fruit, swapping maple syrup for honey, and even making savory versions with cheese and herbs for a twist. But the classic baked French toast with maple syrup is still the most requested at our table.

You can make this French Toast Bake recipe your own by playing with toppings, bread types, or spices. I hope you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with comforting smells and fills your family with smiles.

Give this trusty French Toast Bake recipe a try soon—you won’t regret having it as a go-to for cozy mornings or simple gatherings.

For more reliable recipes that are just as delicious and doable, check out this baked feta pasta with pesto—a simple dinner solution my family adores.

And if you want to explore more baked French toast ideas, I recommend visiting SugarSpunRun’s version of a French toast casserole for tasty variations you might like.

Final delicious slice of French Toast Bake served with syrup

Happy cooking, friends!

Print

French Toast Bake recipe

This French Toast Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make breakfast casserole featuring layers of bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for serving a crowd on weekend mornings.

  • Author: Carrisa Monroe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups of day-old bread cubes (preferably brioche or challah)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Place the bread cubes evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid.
  5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter to create the topping.
  7. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  9. Let the French Toast Bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Notes

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the French Toast Bake before serving, or omit nuts to make it nut-free.

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