Pin it Festive, bite-sized French toast cubes infused with creamy eggnog, stacked into a charming tree shape—perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.
This was a hit at my last holiday brunch and brought a smile to everyone's face.
Ingredients
- French Toast: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes, 4 large eggs, 1 cup eggnog, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Pinch of salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- Decoration & Assembly: 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches), 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries), Maple syrup, for serving, Star-shaped fruit or cookie (for tree topper optional), Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread:
- Add bread cubes to the eggnog mixture. Gently toss until cubes are evenly coated. Let soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
- Cook Bites:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add soaked bread cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and cooked through about 2–3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
- Drain:
- Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble Tree:
- Once all bites are cooked, assemble the tree On a large serving platter, arrange bites in concentric circles, stacking to form a tree shape Use toothpicks or skewers for stability, if desired.
- Decorate:
- Tuck rosemary sprigs between bites to mimic tree branches Decorate with berries as ornaments Place a star-shaped fruit or cookie at the top as a tree topper, if using.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow Serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
Pin it This recipe has become a beloved tradition at family gatherings each holiday season.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Large nonstick skillet, Spatula or tongs, Paper towels, Serving platter, Toothpicks or small skewers
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten). May contain Tree nuts if using certain bread or toppings. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 295, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 8 g per serving
Pin it 
Enjoy this festive French toast bite tree as a delightful centerpiece for your holiday brunch.
Recipe FAQ
- → What bread works best for the eggnog toast bites?
Brioche or challah provide a soft, rich base that absorbs the custard well, but thick-cut white bread or gluten-free bread can also be used.
- → Can I make the eggnog mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk eggs, eggnog, milk, and spices ahead and refrigerate for up to a day, but soaking the bread cubes is best done just before cooking.
- → How do I assemble the tree shape securely?
Arrange the cooked toast cubes in concentric circles stacking upwards and use toothpicks or small skewers to hold the structure together firmly.
- → What alternatives can enhance the festive flavor?
Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the custard for adults, or garnish with star-shaped fruit and fresh rosemary sprigs for a holiday touch.
- → How should leftovers be reheated?
Reheat gently in a low oven to preserve texture and warmth without drying out the toast bites.