Pin A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
This French toast bake became an instant favorite on a snowy morning when my family gathered around the table for a leisurely breakfast. It’s now our go-to dish for holidays and lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Custard: 6 large eggs, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Make the custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine custard and bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Add the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Pin My kids love gathering in the kitchen to help layer the bread and sprinkle the cinnamon topping. Their laughter and excitement make this meal extra special every time.
Required Tools
You'll need a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, mixing bowls, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons to prepare this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten (wheat). Always check the bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein.
Pin For an even more indulgent breakfast, serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries. Enjoy this comforting dish with those you love.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, brioche or challah are ideal for their richness, but you can also use sourdough or white bread for variation.
- → How long should I soak the bread before baking?
Refrigerate the soaked bread for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper custard absorption and enhanced flavor.
- → Can I add nuts to the topping?
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the buttery topping creates a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk and non-dairy cream can be substituted to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How do I know when the bake is done?
The top should be golden brown and the custard fully set but still tender; a slight jiggle in the center is normal.