Breakfast French Toast Bake

Name: Breakfast French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Fresh strawberries or blueberries; Powdered sugar; Maple syrup

Highlighted under: Hearty Family Meals

I absolutely love making Breakfast French Toast Bake for weekend brunches. It's a dish that brings together warm, comforting flavors with the simplicity of preparing it in advance. The golden toast, soaked in a rich custard mixture, transforms into a delightful bake that my family can’t get enough of. Not only is it delicious when served warm with syrup and fresh fruit, but it also fills the house with an irresistible aroma that sets the perfect mood for a cozy morning.

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:29:35.569Z

One morning, I decided to experiment with a traditional French toast recipe and create a bake that could satisfy my whole family. The combination of bread, eggs, and milk soaked overnight resulted in a rich custard that bakes to a perfect golden color. I found that using day-old bread makes a huge difference in texture - it absorbs the custard beautifully without getting too soggy. This trick has become a staple in my kitchen!

As I pulled the warm Bake from the oven, the sweet aroma filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Topped with maple syrup and fresh strawberries, this dish transformed our ordinary breakfast into something truly special. I recommend serving it warm, just like I did, for the best experience!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare ahead of time for leisurely brunching.
Perfect balance of custardy texture and crispy edges.
Delicious with a variety of toppings, from fruits to syrups.

Preparing the Custard Mixture

The custard for the Breakfast French Toast Bake is a crucial component that defines its rich texture. Using high-quality eggs makes a significant difference in flavor and consistency. When whisking the eggs with the milk and cream, ensure that the mixture is well combined, achieving a smooth consistency without any clumps. This process is vital to evenly coat the bread cubes and provide that custardy essence you want in each bite.

Don't shy away from experimenting with flavor additions. For example, a splash of orange zest or nutmeg can elevate your custard, adding a delightful twist. If you're aiming for a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with additional milk. Just remember that reducing the fat content may affect the bake's overall richness.

Optimal Soaking Time

Allowing your bread to soak overnight is essential for achieving that lush texture. The time spent in the refrigerator not only lets the bread absorb the mixture but also increases the chances of achieving a perfectly golden finish during baking. If you’re short on time, aim for a minimum soaking time of four hours, but keep in mind that a longer soak results in more flavor absorption and a softer crumb.

If your bread cubes aren’t soaking in the custard mixture adequately, gently press them down with a spatula to fully immerse them. This step ensures even coating, preventing any dry pieces that might result in an uneven bake. Checking for dryness before baking can save you from hunting for any undercooked spots later.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the French Toast Bake

1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping (Optional)

Fresh strawberries or blueberries
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed French bread with the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the bread is well coated with the mixture.

Soak Overnight

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture.

Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soaked bread mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and puffed.

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh fruits, powdered sugar, and maple syrup as desired.

Pro Tips

Always use day-old bread for the best texture. You can also add your favorite fruits or nuts into the mixture for extra flavor and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serving the Breakfast French Toast Bake with seasonal fruits enhances both its flavor and visual appeal. Fresh strawberries and blueberries can be lightly tossed in a bit of sugar or lemon juice to bring out their sweetness and serve as a vibrant topping. Additionally, offering a selection of toppings—such as whipped cream or yogurt—can create a delightful build-your-own experience for brunch guests.

For a more gourmet touch, consider making a warm berry compote by simmering mixed berries with a splash of water and a sprinkle of sugar until they break down. Drizzle this over the bake right before serving for an added layer of flavor that complements the maple syrup beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best features of this Breakfast French Toast Bake is its make-ahead capability. After assembling the custard-soaked bread in the baking dish, you can cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a real time-saver for busy mornings and allows the flavors to develop even further, resulting in an incredibly rich bake.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For those who prefer a quick fix, individual portions can be microwaved, though this might compromise the crispy texture slightly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread as a substitute for regular French bread.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

→ Can I freeze this French toast bake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked mixture in the baking dish. Just cover tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

→ What can I serve with it?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt for a complete breakfast experience.