Simple French Toast Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Simple French Toast Bake is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Prepared the night before, it bakes into a golden, custardy delight that’s easy to serve for family or guests.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of Pillsbury French Bread (baked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup butter (+ 2 tbsp melted, divided)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup melted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar. Stir just until combined, then spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8″ x 8″ baking pan.
- Step 2: Slice the baked French bread evenly and layer it on top of the brown sugar mixture in three rows, slightly stacking the slices.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Step 4: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small dish. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole, then drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Step 5: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap.
- Step 6: Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dish.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Step 8: Let the bake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with fresh whipped cream, berries, and maple syrup if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit between the bread layers for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap 2% milk for whole milk or half-and-half for a richer custard.
- You can substitute the maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. This bake can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this French toast bake on the same day?
Yes, you can prepare and bake it on the same day. Allow the custard to soak the bread for at least 4 hours to achieve the best texture.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. While French bread works best for structure and texture, you can use brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread for a tender and flavorful result.
Print
Simple French Toast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 60 minutes (including chilling time overnight)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A simple and delicious French Toast Bake recipe that you prepare the night before and bake in the oven for a perfect, custardy breakfast. Layers of baked French bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture with a buttery brown sugar topping create a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf Pillsbury French Bread (baked according to package instructions)
- 1 cup brown sugar (divided)
- 1/4 cup butter (+ 2 tbsp melted, divided)
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Combine 1/4 cup melted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring just until combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8″ x 8″ baking pan.
- Layer the bread: Slice the baked French bread evenly and arrange it in three rows over the brown sugar mixture, stacking slices slightly on top of each other.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour custard and add topping: Ladle the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the top. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Chill overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat oven and prepare: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap.
- Final topping: Combine 2 tbsp sugar and remaining 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole before baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set completely.
- Serve: Let the French Toast Bake cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with fresh whipped cream, berries, and maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the casserole the night before to allow flavors to meld and bread to soak.
- You can substitute the 2% milk with whole milk or a milk alternative, but consistency may vary.
- Make sure the bread is slightly firm or baked to prevent becoming too soggy after soaking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Customize toppings with nuts, fresh fruits, or different syrups to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French Toast Bake, baked French toast casserole, overnight breakfast, cinnamon French toast, easy brunch recipe
