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
Scale
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
