Pin to Board 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 a favorite in my family for weekend breakfasts and cozy dinners.
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
- 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℉ (175℃).
- 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.
Pin to Board Sharing this dish with family always brings smiles and warm memories around the breakfast table.
Notes
For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. Try adding diced apples or pears between bread layers for extra flavor.
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.
Pin to Board 
This soft spice baked French toast casserole is a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Common Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah sliced thick offers a sturdy yet tender base that soaks custard well without falling apart.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerating the assembled dish for 30 minutes or overnight allows flavors to meld and improves custard absorption.
- → What spices are used in the custard?
The custard includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom to impart warm, comforting flavors throughout the dish.
- → How is the topping made?
A mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is drizzled on top before baking, creating a sweet, spiced glaze.
- → Are there suggested garnishes?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries add brightness and extra sweetness when serving.
- → Can I add nuts or fruit?
Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or diced apples or pears can be layered for added texture and flavor variations.