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
Scale
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.
