French Toast Bake Recipe

French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole—soft, custardy bread cubes soaked in a sweet egg mixture, baked until golden, and topped with a buttery streusel. It’s everything you love about classic French toast, but baked in one dish and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great for meal prep or entertaining
• No flipping required—hands-off baking
• Sweet, cozy flavors of cinnamon and vanilla
• Easy to customize with fruits, nuts, or even a savory twist
• Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

For the topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Cold butter, cut into cubes

Directions

this recipe

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add bread cubes in an even layer.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press down gently to help the bread soak it up.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Store in fridge until ready to bake.
6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle topping over the soaked bread.
7. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: About 5 hours (with chilling)

Variations

• Berry French Toast Bake: Add fresh or frozen berries between bread layers
• Nutty Version: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts
• Savory Option: Skip sugar and vanilla, add cheese and cooked sausage or bacon
• Apple Cinnamon: Add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave, or reheat the whole pan in a 325°F oven until hot

FAQs

What type of bread is best?

Brioche, challah, or French bread work best due to their structure and ability to soak up the custard without getting mushy.

Can I bake it right away?

Yes, but the texture is better if it sits at least a few hours to soak fully.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk will work, though it may slightly alter the texture and richness.

How do I keep the top from burning?

If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 15–20 minutes of baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with it?

Fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, or a dollop of whipped cream make great sides.

Can I use flavored coffee creamer instead of cream?

Yes, for a sweet twist, flavored creamers can substitute part or all of the heavy cream.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set (not jiggly) and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Is this sweet enough on its own?

It’s mildly sweet—serve with syrup or fruit if you want extra sweetness.

Can I prep this more than one day ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance before baking.

Conclusion

French Toast Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. With rich custard, tender bread, and a crunchy topping, it’s a guaranteed hit for weekend brunches, special occasions, or even weekday mornings. Just prep it ahead and enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast with zero stress.

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