Imagine waking up to a fluffy, custardy breakfast wonder that practically makes itself. This French Toast Bake layers thick slices of golden French bread atop a warm brown sugar–cinnamon glaze, then soaks in a dreamy blend of eggs, creamy milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla. Pop it in the oven after an overnight rest, and wake up to a caramelized, golden masterpiece. Soft inside, crisp on top, this crowd-pleaser sings with cozy spice and sweet flair. Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, and extra maple syrup for a morning spectacular! Get ready for smiles, full bellies, and endless breakfast bragging rights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake
- Perfect for a cozy family breakfast or brunch gathering.
- Easy to prepare the night before, saving you time in the morning.
- Deliciously sweet with a caramelized brown sugar topping.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like berries and whipped cream.
- Comforting and satisfying, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Breakfast |
| Cuisine | French |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Extra Time | 240 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 305 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | With fresh whipped cream, berries, and maple syrup! |
Ingredients
Gather these simple and delicious ingredients for your French Toast Bake!
- 1 loaf Pillsbury French Bread – baked according to package instructions
- 1 cup brown sugar – divided
- 1/4 cup butter – + 2 tbsp melted
- 6 large eggs – large eggs for the custard
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk – creamy milk for a rich texture
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds delightful flavor
- 2 tbsp sugar – for sprinkling on top
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – divided for flavor
How to Make French Toast Bake
Prepare for a delightful morning treat! This French Toast Bake is easy to make and perfect for sharing. With a prep time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 45 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 4 hours, you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready to impress!
Step 1: Night before
Melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan. Stir it with 3/4 cup brown sugar until combined. Spread this sweet mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8×8 baking pan.
Step 2: Layer sliced bread
Slice the French bread and layer it over the brown sugar mixture. Stack the slices slightly on top of each other in three rows.
Step 3: Whisk egg mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of 2% milk, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are covered.
Step 4: Sprinkle and chill
In a small dish, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the bread. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Preheat and prepare
Before serving, remove the French toast bake from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap.
Step 6: Bake
In a small dish, mix 2 tbsp sugar and the remaining 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bread. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh whipped cream, berries, and maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Making French Toast Bake
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavors.
- Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- Top with fresh fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat for a quick breakfast treat.
How to Serve this French Toast Bake
- Top with fresh whipped cream for a light, airy finish.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
- Serve with a side of mixed berries for a burst of flavor.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
- Pair with a dollop of yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Include a side of crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory balance.
- Offer a fruit compote for a fruity twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this French Toast Bake ahead and store it easily:
Storing French Toast Bake Leftovers
- Allow leftovers to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing French Toast Bake
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating French Toast Bake
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes for a crispy top.
French Toast Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a small saucepan. Stir it with 3/4 cup brown sugar until combined. Spread this sweet mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8×8 baking pan.
- Slice the French bread and layer it over the brown sugar mixture. Stack the slices slightly on top of each other in three rows.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of 2% milk, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- In a small dish, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the bread. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, remove the French toast bake from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap.
- In a small dish, mix 2 tbsp sugar and the remaining 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bread. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh whipped cream, berries, and maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbs | 35g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different type of bread for this French Toast Bake?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Pillsbury French Bread, you can use any bread you prefer, such as challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard mixture without falling apart.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make this French Toast Bake dairy-free by substituting the 2% milk with a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Additionally, use a dairy-free butter alternative for the melted butter. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious breakfast treat!
3. Can I prepare this French Toast Bake in advance?
Yes! In fact, this recipe is designed to be prepared the night before. Just follow the instructions to assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a more flavorful bake in the morning.
4. What toppings do you recommend for serving?
For a delightful finish, serve your French Toast Bake with fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a handful of berries like strawberries or blueberries. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in a delightful morning treat with this French Toast Bake! It’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones. The warm, gooey layers of bread and sweet cinnamon goodness will transport you back to cozy breakfasts. So gather your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy every delicious bite!