Pin Recipe A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
I first made this French Toast Bake for a relaxed holiday morning. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filled our kitchen and everyone kept asking when breakfast would be ready. It's now a family favorite for special 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 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 Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Mix 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 Recipe 
Pin Recipe This casserole is always a hit at our family breakfast table – everyone gathers around before it's even out of the oven. It's a warm and delicious way to start the day together.
Required Tools
For this recipe you'll need a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten (wheat). Always check bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Pin Recipe 
Pin Recipe Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy a comforting breakfast with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for this bake?
Day-old brioche or challah are ideal for absorbing the custard while maintaining texture. Stale bread helps prevent sogginess.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, after assembling, refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance custard absorption and flavor.
- → How can I add a crunchy topping?
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the brown sugar and cinnamon butter topping before drizzling for added texture.
- → Are there dairy-free alternatives for the custard?
Use plant-based milk and cream substitutes to accommodate dairy restrictions while keeping creamy custard consistency.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake uncovered at 175°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard sets firmly.
- → How should I serve the finished bake?
Serve warm with optional maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar to complement the flavors.