If you’re craving a cozy breakfast that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your morning table, this Baked French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in cinnamon-spiced goodness with every bite, combining custardy bread soaked in a rich blend of eggs, milk, and warm spices. Whether you’re serving brunch for friends or making a leisurely weekend treat, this recipe balances ease and indulgence perfectly, turning simple ingredients into a golden, aromatic masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked French Toast Recipe relies on just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a super important role in creating that perfect custard-soaked bread with a crispy, golden top. From the quality of the bread to the cozy spices, these essentials come together in the simplest, most magical way.
- Bread (French, challah, or brioche): About 16 ounces of good-quality bread ensures a soft yet sturdy base that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs (6 large): They form the rich custard that gives the bread its silky texture and holds everything together.
- Milk (2 cups whole): Adds creaminess and moisture, making the custard divine.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard beautifully without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Infuses a warm, nostalgic aroma that defines the dish’s character.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a smooth, fragrant depth that complements the spices perfectly.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle, earthy warmth that enhances the cinnamon.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and highlights the complex flavors.
- Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish to create a non-stick surface and add a hint of richness.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, and whipped cream to make every bite a little celebration.
How to Make Baked French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your baked French toast cooks evenly and develops that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Slice the Bread
Cut your loaf into thick slices, around 1 to 1.5 inches each. Thicker slices are key here because they soak up the custard without becoming mushy, giving you a perfect texture.
Step 3: Grease the Baking Dish
Use butter to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This little step keeps the French toast from sticking and adds a subtle buttery flavor to the edges.
Step 4: Layer the Bread
Arrange your bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them just enough to fit snugly. This layering sets the stage for the custard to soak in evenly.
Step 5: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything until completely blended and smooth—this custard is the heart of our Baked French Toast Recipe.
Step 6: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread. Gently press down to make sure every slice gets fully coated. Then cover your dish and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight to let those flavors soak deep into the bread.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Uncover and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is set just right. The smell alone will have you eagerly waiting for the timer to go off!
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
After baking, give your French toast a few minutes to cool, which helps it set a bit more for clean slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings to make it truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Baked French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar or drizzling pure maple syrup turns this rustic dish into a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add freshness, while a dollop of whipped cream brings a creamy contrast that feels like a hug in each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a perfect sweet-savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or even a simple green smoothie can lighten up the meal while keeping it vibrant and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your brunch guests? Serve Baked French Toast Recipe slices stacked layered with cream cheese and fruit preserves between them, almost like a sweet sandwich. Or use individual ramekins for a personalized presentation that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Baked French toast stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy this deliciousness long after making it.
Freezing
If you want to keep some for even longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. Frozen French toast can last up to 2 months and still tastes delicious once reheated.
Reheating
Warm up your leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Microwave reheating works too, but it won’t preserve that lovely crust.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread in Baked French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold up to soaking in the custard without falling apart. You might need to reduce soaking time slightly.
What’s the best bread to use?
French, challah, or brioche breads are ideal because they’re slightly dense and rich, absorbing the custard while maintaining a soft texture. Day-old bread also works best as it soaks up more custard.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk your custard the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it over the bread to keep everything smooth and blended.
Is it necessary to refrigerate during soaking?
Refrigerating while the bread soaks in the custard helps achieve a creamy, custardy center without over-fermenting or becoming too soggy. It’s a game changer for texture and flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or prepare two smaller ones. Keep the same ratios and bake until golden and set, adjusting time slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Baked French Toast Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to breakfast and brunch. It’s simple to make, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers that perfect mix of comfort and decadence every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, give this recipe a try — it might just become your new favorite morning ritual.
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Baked French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus optional soaking time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic baked French toast recipe features thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, it offers a soft, custardy interior with a lightly crisp top, served best with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruits.
Ingredients
For the Baked French Toast
- 1 loaf Bread (French, challah, or brioche) (About 16 ounces, good-quality bread is crucial.)
- 6 large Eggs (Essential for the custard base.)
- 2 cups Milk (Whole milk works best for creaminess.)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness to the custard.)
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Infuses warm flavors.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds depth and aroma.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Optional, adds warmth.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.)
- Butter (For greasing the baking dish.)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruits
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the French toast evenly.
- Slice the bread. Cut your loaf of bread into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each, which allows the slices to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Prepare the baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Arrange the bread. Layer the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them for a good fit and even custard coverage.
- Make the custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the bread. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, then gently press down to help every piece absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen flavors and ensure the bread is saturated.
- Bake the French toast. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. The texture should be soft inside with a lightly crisp surface.
- Serve. Let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes, then cut into portions and serve warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use a good-quality, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread to ensure the custard doesn’t make it soggy.
- Allowing the bread to soak overnight enhances texture and flavor, making the French toast more custardy.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan egg alternative.
- Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg amounts according to your spice preference.
- Ensure the baking dish is properly greased to avoid sticking and ease serving.
