Save A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.
This soft spice baked French toast casserole has become a favorite in our family for weekend brunches. Its rich custard soaks into the bread perfectly, creating a tender and flavorful dish every time.
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
- Step 1:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
- Step 5:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Step 7:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 8:
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired.
Pin it This recipe always brings smiles around our breakfast table and has become a cherished family tradition.
Variations
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty crunch or include diced apples or pears between bread layers for extra flavor.
Dietary Tips
For a vegan version, use plant milk, egg replacer, and vegan bread. Substitute half-and-half for milk and cream if preferred.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Pin it This soft spice baked French toast casserole is simple to prepare and utterly delicious making it a perfect recipe to enjoy any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best for this dish?
Thickly sliced brioche or challah, preferably a day old, absorbs the custard well and provides a soft, rich texture.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, soaking the bread overnight in the custard allows flavors to deepen and makes baking easier in the morning.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor?
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom create a warm, aromatic profile that enhances the custard's richness without overpowering.
- → What topping options suit this dish?
A cinnamon-brown sugar butter drizzle adds sweetness and crunch. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries can complement after baking.
- → Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Substitute plant-based milks and egg replacers, and use vegan bread to adapt the dish while maintaining similar textures and flavors.