Breakfast French Toast Bake

Name: Breakfast French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah); 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh berries (optional); Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Comfort Bakes

I love starting my weekends with a hearty Breakfast French Toast Bake. This dish combines all the beloved flavors of traditional French toast but makes it unbelievably easy to prepare. Instead of standing over a hot stovetop flipping slices, we can gather all the ingredients in one baking dish. As it bakes, the sweet aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delicious start to the day. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy breakfast at home. Trust me, this is a recipe you'll want on your brunch table!

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:03:35.858Z

When I first tried this Breakfast French Toast Bake, I was taken aback by how simple it is to make yet how impressive it turns out. The combination of eggs, milk, and vanilla creates a custard that seeps into the bread, making every bite rich and flavorful. I love customizing this dish with seasonal fruits or adding spices like cinnamon for extra warmth.

One key tip I learned is to let the mixture sit for a bit before baking. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors and results in a perfectly moist texture. It’s a game-changer that turns a good breakfast into an unforgettable one!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep
Customizable with your favorite fruits and toppings
Bakes to a delightful golden brown, impressing family and friends

Mastering the Custard Mixture

The custard mixture is the heart of this Breakfast French Toast Bake. By whisking together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and flavorings, you create a rich, creamy base that infuses the bread with sweetness. It's crucial to combine these ingredients until they're well incorporated to avoid any egg lumps. I recommend using a whisk rather than a fork to achieve a nice, smooth consistency that will coat the bread evenly for a custard that's both fluffy and decadent.

The heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, making the final bake rich and indulgent. If you're looking to lighten it up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that this may change the overall richness of your final dish. For those adhering to a dairy-free diet, almond or oat milk works well—just ensure that the milk alternative doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors of the bake.

Baking Tips for Perfection

An essential step in ensuring a perfect bake is to allow the dish to sit for a short period after combining the bread and custard. Letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes gives the bread time to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a moist and flavorful outcome. If you can prepare the dish the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight, you’ll wake up to an equally delicious breakfast ready to pop in the oven.

When it's time to bake, using a covered dish will help steam the bread initially, creating a soft texture. As a tip, the last 15 minutes without foil is crucial for browning the top; you want it to be golden brown and slightly crisp. Keeping an eye on the oven towards the end of the cooking time can prevent over-browning, which can happen quickly, depending on your oven’s calibration.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While this French Toast Bake is a treat on its own, you can enhance it further with toppings. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Fresh seasonal fruits, like berries or banana slices, not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing balance to the richness of the bake. For a crunch factor, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans make an excellent addition either baked in or sprinkled on top right before serving.

If you want to experiment with flavors, try infusing the custard with spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. You can swap some of the bread for croissants or even incorporate day-old pastries for a unique texture and flavor. For those looking for a savory option, adding ingredients like cheese or sautéed spinach can give this dish a delightful breakfast twist that strays from the sweet path.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh berries (optional)
Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the bread into cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated. Gently fold in the fresh berries if using.

Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with extra maple syrup if desired.

Pro Tips

You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just take it out for a little while before baking to let it come to room temperature.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the Breakfast French Toast Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. When reheating, gently warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, checking for warmth after each interval. Alternatively, you can reheat larger slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes. Covering it loosely with foil will help prevent it from drying out.

Freezing is also an option if you want to prepare the dish well in advance. After baking and cooling, slice the bake and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions as mentioned. Just be cautious with the texture as freezing can sometimes change the consistency of the bread.

Scaling the Recipe

This Breakfast French Toast Bake is incredibly easy to scale up or down depending on your needs. If you're hosting a larger brunch, you can easily double the recipe by using a larger baking dish, such as a 12x16 inch pan. Ensure that you adjust the baking time slightly if you have a thicker layer; it may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven. Always check for doneness by inserting a knife in the middle; it should come out clean when fully cooked.

Conversely, if you’re cooking for fewer people, you can halve the recipe, using a smaller 8x8 inch baking dish. For a fun variation, consider baking it in single-serving ramekins, which can be both adorable and practical for individual servings. This method requires a shorter baking time, so keep an eye on them after about 25 minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with French toast bakes is ending up with soggy bread, which can happen if the bread is too fresh or has a high moisture content. To avoid this, use day-old bread or let fresh bread sit out for a few hours before cubing it. If you do find your bake soggy after cooking, popping it back in the oven uncovered for a few more minutes can help to dry it out slightly and achieve a better texture.

Another potential problem is uneven baking. Make sure to evenly distribute the bread pieces in your baking dish and ensure the custard evenly coats each piece. If you experience hot spots in your oven, rotating the dish halfway through can help achieve an even bake. Always trust your visual cues; the bake should be puffed and golden on top when it's ready to be served.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their richness, you can use any bread you have on hand.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread.

→ What fruits work best in this recipe?

Berries, bananas, or even diced apples work wonderfully in this bake.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Just make sure to wrap it well. You can reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.