Breakfast French Toast Bake

Name: Breakfast French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Highlighted under: Cakes & Treats

I love starting my day with a hearty breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. This Breakfast French Toast Bake is a delightful combination of fluffy bread, creamy custard, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for lazy weekends or when entertaining friends and family. As it bakes, the fragrant spices fill the kitchen, and by the time it’s ready, you can't help but feel excited for the deliciousness that awaits. Trust me, this dish will transform your breakfast routine into something special.

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:45:37.657Z

In my quest for the perfect breakfast, I stumbled upon this Breakfast French Toast Bake. From the first bite, I was hooked. The custard-soaked bread bakes to golden perfection, creating a wonderful texture that is both crunchy and soft. I’ve made it for brunch gatherings and it always impresses!

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can mix in your favorite fruits or even add nuts for some extra crunch. The combination of cinnamon and vanilla genuinely elevates the flavor profile, making every bite a satisfying experience. Don’t skip the syrup drizzle on top; it brings everything together beautifully!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfectly soft and custardy texture
Versatile for adding fruits or nuts
Easily serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings

Understanding the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture is the heart of your Breakfast French Toast Bake, providing that rich, creamy texture you crave. The combination of eggs, milk, and heavy cream creates a luscious base that binds the bread together. Using whole eggs is crucial, as they contribute not only to the flavor but also to the structure. Make sure to whisk everything thoroughly until combined; this ensures a more uniform custard that soaks into every piece of bread.

Letting the bread soak for a solid 10 minutes is an essential step. During this time, the bread absorbs the custard, becoming soft and flavorful. If you find the bread isn’t absorbing enough, consider letting it sit for a few extra minutes. However, avoid letting it sit too long, as overly soggy bread can lead to a mushy bake rather than a fluffy, comforting texture.

Tips for Perfect Baking

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that the Bake cooks evenly throughout. Keep an eye on it as it approaches the end of the baking time; the top should be golden brown and slightly puffed. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.

Using a 9x13-inch baking dish allows for even baking and easy serving. If you're making a larger batch for a gathering, consider using two smaller dishes instead of one big pan, as this can help ensure even cooking. If you prefer a more crisp top, you might even broil it for the last couple of minutes—just stay vigilant to prevent any burning!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Breakfast French Toast Bake:

Main Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Once you have all your ingredients, you’re ready to prepare this incredible breakfast treat!

Instructions

Here’s how to assemble and bake your Breakfast French Toast Bake:

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold the mixture together until the bread is well coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

Bake the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top if desired. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

This Breakfast French Toast Bake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, alongside your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, consider letting the bread soak overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to infuse deeper into the bread for an even more delicious result.

Serving Variations

Serving this French Toast Bake with maple syrup is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even caramelized apples can elevate the dish further. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nuts for additional texture. If you're in the mood for something richer, try a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup.

For a flavor twist, consider mixing spices into the custard, such as nutmeg or allspice. These spices can complement the cinnamon beautifully, offering a warm, spiced complexity that tantalizes the taste buds. Additionally, feel free to mix in chopped dried fruits or fresh fruits directly into the bread mixture for added sweetness and flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Breakfast French Toast Bake is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld overnight. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. In the morning, simply pop it into the preheated oven; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it'll be starting from cold.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick snacks or breakfast. Alternatively, you can warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain its texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead of brioche?

Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will work well, though the texture may be a bit denser.

→ Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes! Assemble the ingredients and cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What fruits can I add to this recipe?

You can add fruits like berries, sliced bananas, or even diced apples for a delicious twist!

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check all other ingredients for gluten-free options.