Pin It A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
This French Toast Bake first became a weekend favorite at our house when I needed something special for brunch guests. It's always a hit, and there's never a crumb left!
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
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Instructions
- Prepare Bread:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the 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 the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this 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 the oven heats.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 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.
Pin It My kids love helping layer the bread cubes in the dish, and watching the bake turn golden in the oven is always a treat for the whole family.
Required Tools
You'll need a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups, and spoons.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. Always check your bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Pin It This casserole is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches. Enjoy with your favorite toppings and savor every bite!
Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah bread cubes are ideal, offering a soft yet sturdy texture that absorbs the custard well.
- → Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the assembled casserole for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to soak in the custard deeply.
- → How do I know when it’s fully baked?
The top should be golden brown and the custard set without any liquid jiggle in the center.
- → Can I add nuts or toppings?
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the buttery topping creates a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft custard.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for dairy?
You can use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What complements this dish well?
Fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the casserole’s warm flavors.
