Name: French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf french bread; 8 eggs; 2 cups milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp Cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ½ cup flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp Cinnamon; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter

Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this French toast bake, a delicious twist on the classic French toast. Perfect for a weekend brunch, this dish combines the rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet goodness of brown sugar. It’s easy to prepare and will definitely impress your family and friends.

Photos of French Toast Bake Recipe

If you don't often use heavy cream, you may need to pick some up at the supermarket. Also, ensure you have enough brown sugar for both the mixture and the topping. Nutmeg is another ingredient that might not be in your spice rack, so make sure to grab some if it's not already in your pantry.

Ingredients For French Toast Bake

French bread: A dense loaf will absorb the custard mixture well.

Eggs: Acts as the base for the custard.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard.

Heavy cream: Provides a richer texture.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.

Nutmeg: Adds a hint of earthy, sweet spice.

Flour: Used in the topping to create a crumbly texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy topping.

One reader, Cindee Salmon says:

This French toast bake recipe is a game-changer! The perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg makes it incredibly flavorful. The crispy top and soft center create a delightful texture. Ideal for brunch or a cozy breakfast. Highly recommend!

Cindee Salmon

Techniques Required for Making French Toast Bake

How to chop bread: Cut the bread into ¾ to 1-inch cubes using a serrated knife to ensure even pieces. How to mix ingredients: Combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until well blended. How to cut in butter: Use a fork or a food processor to mix the butter with the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture becomes crumbly. How to bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, pour the mixture into a pan, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is crispy and the center is no longer wet.

How To Make French Toast Bake

This French toast bake recipe is easy to make without overnight chilling needed. Makes a great breakfast served with warm syrup for a satisfying meal.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 45 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1loaf French bread,t
8eggs
2cupsmilk
½cupheavy cream,half and half would work too
¼cupsugar
½cupbrown sugar
1tbspvanilla extract
2tspCinnamon
¼tspnutmeg
½cupflour
½cupbrown sugar
1tspCinnamon
¼tspsalt
½cupunsalted butter,cold and cut into small squares

Instructions

Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Chop the bread into ¾ to 1-inch cubes and put it in the bowl with the egg mixture and toss well until all the liquid is absorbed.
In a small bowl or a food processor add the flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt then mix.
Cut in the butter with a fork or pulse in the food processor for 5 to 10 seconds or until the butter and brown sugar mixture is crumbly.
Pour the bread and egg mixture into the pan, cover evenly with the brown sugar-butter topping and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is crispy and the center is no longer wet.

Nutrition

Calories: 321.79kcal
Fat: 16.07g
Saturated Fat: 8.95g
Trans Fat: 0.32g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.52g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.29g
Carbohydrates: 36.09g
Fiber: 1.05g
Sugar: 19.65g
Protein: 8.43g
Cholesterol: 144.63mg
Sodium: 265.65mg
Calcium: 101.32mg
Potassium: 158.50mg
Iron: 1.70mg
Vitamin A: 170.13µg
Vitamin C: 0.09mg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfect French Toast Bake

For a richer flavor, let the bread soak in the egg mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more decadent and flavorful french toast bake.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing French Toast Bake Recipe

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the bread and measure out the milk, cream, and spices the night before.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for the topping.

Soak overnight: Let the bread soak in the egg mixture overnight in the fridge for better absorption.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while assembling the french toast bake to save time.

Substitute Ingredients For French Toast Bake Recipe

french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent french toast bake.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in baking recipes.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and can be used in a slightly lesser amount due to its higher sweetness level.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is a less processed alternative.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.
nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds a slightly nutty flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
cinnamon - Substitute with cardamom: Cardamom provides a warm, aromatic flavor that can be a delightful twist.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

Best Way to Present This Delightful Breakfast Dish

Use a high-quality baking dish: Select a beautiful ceramic or glass baking dish to bake the french toast bake. This will enhance the visual appeal right from the oven to the table.
Garnish with fresh fruits: Top the french toast bake with a medley of fresh berries, sliced strawberries, and mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Drizzle with premium syrup: Use a high-quality maple syrup or a homemade caramel sauce to drizzle over the top just before serving. This adds a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the french toast bake with powdered sugar using a fine sieve. This gives it a delicate and elegant touch.
Serve with a side of whipped cream: Offer a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, perhaps flavored with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon.
Use elegant serving plates: Plate individual portions on fine china or elegant serving plates. This elevates the dining experience and makes each serving feel special.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the plate with a few edible flowers like pansies or violets. This adds a touch of sophistication and beauty.
Serve with a complementary beverage: Pair the french toast bake with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of gourmet coffee. This completes the meal and enhances the overall experience.

Essential Tools for Making French Toast Bake

9x13 pan: A baking dish of this size is perfect for holding the french toast bake mixture and ensuring even cooking.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the baking dish to prevent the french toast bake from sticking.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the egg mixture and tossing the bread cubes to ensure they are well-coated.
Small bowl: Useful for mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
Food processor: Optional but helpful for quickly combining the topping ingredients and cutting in the butter.
Fork: Used to cut in the butter with the topping mixture if not using a food processor.
Knife: Needed to chop the french bread into cubes.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Oven: Preheated to 350 degrees F, it bakes the french toast to perfection.
Spatula: Useful for tossing the bread cubes in the egg mixture and for spreading the topping evenly over the bake.

How To Store and Freeze French Toast Bake

Let the french toast bake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the french toast bake. Cut the cooled casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen french toast bake will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the desired number of portions overnight in the refrigerator.
Place the thawed portions in a baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the top, if desired.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. The texture may be slightly softer when microwaved.

How To Reheat Leftover French Toast Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover french toast bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and prevent the top from becoming too crispy.
If you prefer a crispier top, remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the brown sugar and butter topping to caramelize and create a delightful crunch.
For individual servings, slice the leftover french toast bake into portions and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat each serving in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the bread to become rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also reheat individual slices of the french toast bake. Place the slices on the toaster oven rack and heat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a skillet or griddle. Melt a small amount of butter over medium heat and place a slice of the leftover french toast bake in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a nice buttery flavor to the already delicious dish.

Random Fact About French Toast Bake

A fun fact about this french toast bake recipe is that it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it a perfect option for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. The bread absorbs all the egg mixture overnight, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Is Making French Toast Bake at Home Cost-Effective?

The french toast bake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using basic ingredients like eggs, milk, and bread, it leverages pantry staples. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg adds flavor without significantly increasing costs. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is French Toast Bake Healthy or Unhealthy?

This french toast bake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in calories, with significant amounts of sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
White bread is used, which is typically made from refined flour and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain bread.
The dish is high in saturated fat due to the butter and heavy cream, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excess.
The recipe contains a substantial amount of added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems when consumed in large quantities.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Swap white bread for whole grain bread to increase fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of sugar and brown sugar used, or replace some of it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey
Use a combination of whole milk and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the saturated fat content
Decrease the amount of butter used in the topping or replace some of it with healthier alternatives like coconut oil or nuts
Add fresh fruit to the dish, such as sliced bananas or berries, to increase the nutritional value and natural sweetness
Serve the french toast bake with a side of plain Greek yogurt for added protein and to balance out the sweetness

Editor's Thoughts on the Deliciousness of French Toast Bake

This french toast bake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The combination of rich, custardy bread with a sweet, crumbly topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The use of both brown and white sugars adds depth, while the cinnamon and nutmeg provide a warm, aromatic touch. The heavy cream elevates the dish, making it indulgent and satisfying. Overall, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive, ideal for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast.

Enhance Your French Toast Bake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Maple-Glazed Bacon: Imagine the smoky, savory goodness of bacon perfectly balanced with a sweet maple syrup glaze. This side-dish will add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the French Toast Bake beautifully.

Berry Compote: A vibrant medley of berries simmered to perfection, creating a luscious, slightly tart sauce. This fruit compote adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy French Toast Bake.

Herbed Breakfast Sausages: Savor the aromatic blend of herbs and spices in these juicy sausages. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture make them an ideal companion to the sweet and custardy French Toast Bake.

Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layers of creamy vanilla yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruits create a delightful parfait. This light and refreshing side-dish adds a touch of elegance and a burst of freshness to your meal.

Roasted Vegetable Medley: A colorful array of vegetables roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding a savory depth to your plate. This medley provides a wholesome and nutritious balance to the indulgent French Toast Bake.

Other Delicious Breakfast Bakes Similar to French Toast Bake

Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your home. This delightful casserole combines the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with a rich, creamy custard. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast.

Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Bursting with juicy blueberries and a hint of lemon zest, this casserole is a fruity twist on the classic French toast bake. The blueberries add a refreshing pop of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard and crispy bread topping.

Apple Pie French Toast Bake: Combine the best of both worlds with this apple pie inspired French toast bake. Apples, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg create a warm, comforting dish that tastes just like your favorite apple pie. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake: Embrace the flavors of fall with this pumpkin spice French toast bake. Pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger come together to create a deliciously spiced breakfast treat that's perfect for autumn mornings.

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake: Indulge in the sweet and tangy combination of strawberries and cream cheese with this decadent French toast bake. The strawberries add a burst of freshness, while the cream cheese provides a rich, creamy contrast. Ideal for a special breakfast or brunch.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement French Toast Bake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with Stuffed Mushrooms. These delightful bites feature cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and baked to golden perfection, they offer a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with Bruschetta. This classic appetizer combines toasted baguette slices with a vibrant topping of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze, each bite offers a burst of fresh, tangy flavors that are perfect for any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, molten center of a chocolate lava cake. This decadent treat features a warm, gooey chocolate core encased in a delicate, cake exterior. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of luxury. The contrast between the warm chocolate and the cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience that will leave your guests craving more.

Tiramisu: Transport your taste buds to Italy with a classic tiramisu. This elegant dessert layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cheese mixture, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Dust the top with cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish. The combination of coffee and cream makes this dessert a perfect end to any meal, offering a balance of sweetness and bitterness that is truly irresistible.

Why trust this French Toast Bake Recipe:

This french toast bake recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the comforting texture of french bread. The brown sugar-butter topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this dish is both delicious and foolproof. Trust this recipe for a guaranteed hit at your next gathering.

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FAQ:

Can I prepare the French toast bake the night before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the French toast bake the night before and let it sit in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak up all the egg mixture, making it even more flavorful. Just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, add the topping and bake as directed.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

I recommend using a loaf of French bread because it has a nice texture that holds up well to the egg mixture. However, you can also use challah or brioche for a richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dry it out a bit in the oven before using it.

Can I add any extra ingredients to the French toast bake?

Definitely! Feel free to add some fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar or drizzle maple syrup on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How do I know when the French toast bake is done?

The French toast bake is done when the top is crispy and golden brown, and the center is no longer wet. You can check by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it's ready. This usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just let the French toast bake cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.