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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.

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.