French Toast Bake

Few things say “comfort food” quite like French toast, but this French Toast Bake takes it to a whole new level! With buttery, caramelized layers and a custard-soaked bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s a breakfast delight perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or weekend brunches. This baked version has all the flavors of classic French toast without the hassle of cooking each slice individually. Simply prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. Easy, delicious, and perfect for serving a crowd!

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Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake 🍁

1. Convenient Make-Ahead Option
   You can prep everything the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it. This is especially helpful for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
2. Delicious Layers and Flavors
   This bake has a layer of buttery brown sugar at the bottom, which caramelizes as it bakes, giving the dish an irresistible sweet crust. The layers of bread soak up a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar adds a classic touch.
3. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
   Instead of standing over the stove flipping slice after slice, you can bake this in a single dish and serve it family-style, making it easy to feed everyone at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need for French Toast Bake 🛒

• 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
  The melted butter combines with brown sugar to form a rich, caramel-like layer at the bottom of the dish, adding a decadent sweetness.
• 1 cup brown sugar
  Brown sugar creates a subtle caramel flavor that blends perfectly with the butter, giving the bake a rich, almost toffee-like sweetness.
• 1 loaf of thickly sliced bread
  Use thick slices for the best texture. Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all great options because they’re sturdy and soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
• 4 large eggs
  Eggs create the custard that gives French toast its characteristic richness and creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups milk
  Milk is the base of the custard mixture, providing moisture and richness. Whole milk is best, but you can use your preferred variety.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon.
• Powdered sugar for sprinkling
  A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
• Cinnamon for sprinkling
  Cinnamon adds a hint of warm spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet, caramelized flavors of the French toast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Toast Bake 🍞

This recipe is wonderfully simple, with minimal prep and a delicious outcome that’s worth every step. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture 🍯

1. Melt 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) in the microwave until fully melted.
2. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar until well combined, creating a smooth, caramel-like mixture.
3. Pour the butter and sugar mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it around evenly. This will form a sweet, sticky base that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Layer the Bread 🍞

• Lay a single layer of thickly sliced bread over the butter-sugar mixture in the baking dish. Try to cover the entire surface, and feel free to trim the bread as needed to fit snugly.

Step 3: Make the Custard 🥛

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This mixture will create a custard that soaks into the bread, giving it a soft, creamy interior that contrasts with the crispy, caramelized edges.

Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Bread 🍞🥚

1. Carefully spoon half of the custard mixture over the first layer of bread, ensuring each slice absorbs some of the liquid.
2. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over this first layer to add a touch of warm spice.

Step 5: Add the Second Layer 🥖

• Add another layer of thickly sliced bread on top of the first. This second layer will also soak up the custard, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.

Step 6: Pour the Remaining Custard 🍲

• Spoon the remaining custard mixture over the second layer of bread, making sure each slice is well-coated. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Cinnamon and Chill 🕒

1. Sprinkle additional cinnamon over the top for a final touch of flavor.
2. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a soft, custardy texture when baked.

Step 8: Bake the French Toast 🍞🔥

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Bake the French toast bake for 45 minutes, covering it for the first 30 minutes. This helps the dish cook evenly without over-browning the top.
4. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for the remaining 15 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should look slightly caramelized.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve 🍽️

• Once baked, let the French toast bake cool slightly. Then sprinkle powdered sugar and a bit of extra cinnamon on top for a sweet, spiced finish.
• Serve warm with maple syrup for drizzling over each portion.

Tips for Perfecting Your French Toast Bake 🥄

• Use Sturdy Bread: Thickly sliced, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best. They soak up the custard well without falling apart.
• Chill Overnight: Letting the dish chill in the fridge overnight allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a softer, more flavorful texture.
• Baking Covered vs. Uncovered: Covering the bake for the first part of cooking helps it cook through evenly. Removing the cover for the last 15 minutes allows the top to get golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations 🍂

• Toppings: In addition to powdered sugar and cinnamon, try adding fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. You could also serve it with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nutty Twist: For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard mixture for an even warmer flavor profile.
• Berry Delight: Layer fresh or frozen berries between the layers of bread for a fruity twist that adds a burst of color and flavor.

Conclusion: A Warm, Cozy Breakfast for Any Occasion ☕

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a warm slice of this French Toast Bake. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with sweet, caramel flavors. Plus, the overnight prep means less work in the morning, making it the perfect dish for special breakfasts, holiday mornings, or any time you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Just add warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and you’re ready to enjoy!