Elevate your breakfast experience with this delightful French Toast Bake, a perfect harmony of comforting flavors and ease of preparation. This make-ahead dish transforms classic French toast into a delectable casserole, combining the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the richness of eggs. Get ready to indulge in a breakfast treat that’s both convenient and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast Base:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the French Toast Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour Over Bread:
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed French bread, ensuring all pieces are coated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add Topping and Bake:
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked French bread. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the center is set.
- Serve Warm:
- Allow the French Toast Bake to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries.
- Enjoy:
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of this French Toast Bake with its custardy center and crunchy topping.
Enjoy the convenience and flavor of French Toast Bake, a breakfast treat that combines the simplicity of French toast with the ease of preparing ahead of time. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a hit. Share the warmth and comfort of a homemade breakfast with your loved ones. 🍞🍯🥚✨