Save to Pinterest A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.
I love making this casserole for my family because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning.
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
- Grease the dish:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Arrange bread:
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
- Mix custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
- Pour custard:
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
- Prepare topping:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish brings the family together for a cozy weekend breakfast.
Notes
For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. Substitute half-and-half for the milk and 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.
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This baked French toast casserole is simple yet special, perfect for making mornings better.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah sliced thickly provides the ideal texture and absorbency for the custard mixture.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, soaking the bread overnight allows flavors to deepen and ensures a custardy interior when baked.
- → What spices are included in this dish?
A warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom enhances the custard’s flavor profile.
- → How is the topping made?
A mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is drizzled on top before baking, creating a sweet, spiced crust.
- → Are there optional garnishes to serve with it?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries complement the dish beautifully, adding sweetness and freshness.
- → Can I customize the dish with nuts or fruit?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping or layering diced apples or pears between bread slices adds extra texture and flavor.