Soft Spice Baked French Toast

A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.

This baked French toast casserole has become my go-to for busy mornings when I want something special but fuss-free.

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

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

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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.

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

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Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

Check price on Amazon

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Our family gathers every weekend to enjoy this cozy French toast casserole together, making mornings extra special.

Notes

Substitute half-and-half for the milk/cream mixture if preferred. For a vegan version, use plant milk, egg replacer, and vegan bread.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Large mixing bowl, Whisk, Small bowl, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, Milk (Dairy), Wheat (Gluten). May contain: Tree nuts if added as variation. Always check bread and ingredient labels for allergens.

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Juice whole fruits and vegetables easily for fresh drinks, sauces, and nutrient-rich recipes.

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This soft spice baked French toast casserole is sure to delight anyone who loves comforting and flavorful breakfasts.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old brioche or challah sliced thick provides the perfect texture that absorbs the custard well without becoming soggy.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, after soaking the bread in the custard and adding the topping, refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes or overnight to improve flavor and texture.

→ How do the warm spices affect the flavor?

Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom create a cozy aromatic profile that enhances the custardy richness and balances sweetness.

→ What are some suggested garnishes?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries add contrasting sweetness and freshness, complementing the spiced bake beautifully.

→ Are there any recommended ingredient substitutions?

You can use half-and-half instead of milk and cream or try dairy-free milk and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly variation.