Breakfast French Toast Bake

Name: Breakfast French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar; Fresh berries; Maple syrup

Highlighted under: Home Baked Bliss

I love starting my day with a warm, comforting Breakfast French Toast Bake. It’s a dish that combines all the classic flavors of French toast in a hassle-free, oven-baked format. The beauty of this recipe is that I can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Every bite is filled with tender bread soaked in a rich custard, perfectly infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a wonderful way to feed a crowd without spending all my time cooking!

Created by

Veronica Miles

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:45:35.672Z

When I first made this Breakfast French Toast Bake for a weekend brunch, it quickly became a family favorite. I decided to experiment with different bread choices, and I found that using brioche or challah yields the best texture—soft and custardy in the middle while slightly crisp on top. One crucial tip I learned is to let the mixture soak overnight in the fridge; it allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors and ensures an evenly baked dish.

Each time I serve this Bake, guests rave about how easy it is to prepare, which means I can enjoy my time with them instead of being stuck in the kitchen. To elevate it even further, I like to offer a selection of toppings, such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a breakfast everyone looks forward to!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Effortless to prepare ahead of time for busy mornings
Deliciously rich custard flavor with a hint of cinnamon
Perfect for serving a crowd and easy to customize

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of your Breakfast French Toast Bake. Brioche and challah are both rich and tender, soaking up the custard beautifully while maintaining their structure as they bake. If you prefer a slightly denser texture, consider using a French bread or sourdough, which can add depth and a pleasant chew to the final dish.

When selecting your bread, make sure it’s ideally a day or two old. Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively, preventing the dish from becoming overly soggy. If you only have fresh bread on hand, simply let it sit out for a few hours or toast the cubes lightly in the oven before mixing them with the custard.

Perfecting the Custard Mixture

Achieving the right custard consistency is key to a delicious French toast bake. Make sure to whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt thoroughly until the mixture is uniform. This ensures that each piece of bread is evenly coated, providing a consistent flavor throughout. Don't rush this step; proper mixing prevents egg clumps in the final dish.

The balance of milk and cream in the custard contributes to a rich, creamy texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the cream with additional milk. However, keep in mind that this might slightly alter the mouthfeel, making it less decadent. Additionally, experiment with different flavorings in the custard; a splash of orange zest or a dash of nutmeg can elevate your bake to new heights.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Once your Breakfast French Toast Bake is finished, serve it warm for the best experience. I love dusting it with powdered sugar, but you can also top it with cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet touch. Fresh berries add a lovely burst of tartness and color, while maple syrup enhances the rich custard flavor. Serve it alongside whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast treat.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Freezing is also an option; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredients

For the Bake

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping (optional)

Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Add the cubed bread to the bowl, stirring gently to ensure all pieces are coated in the custard mixture.

Soak Overnight

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This helps the bread soak up all the flavors.

Bake the French Toast

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the soaked bread mixture into it. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve

Once baked, let it cool slightly. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of orange juice or zest to the custard mixture. You can also try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the bread mixture before baking for added texture.

Tips for a Customizable Bake

One of the best aspects of this Breakfast French Toast Bake is its versatility. You can add your favorite fruits like sliced bananas or apples directly into the custard mixture or layer them between the bread for more texture and flavor. Nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts can provide crunch, complementing the soft custard-soaked bread beautifully.

Feel free to experiment with various spices as well; adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger can create a unique flavor profile that surprises your taste buds. Remember to adjust the sweetness level according to your taste preferences, especially if you're using particularly sweet toppings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French toast bake turns out too dry, it’s likely that the bread was overbaked or the custard mixture didn't soak in enough. Ensure the baking time is closely monitored; the top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean but not dry. If you’re worried about dryness, you can lightly cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to retain moisture.

Conversely, if your bake ends up too soggy, it might be due to using overly fresh bread or not allowing it enough time to soak. Always give it at least 4 hours in the fridge, but overnight soaking yields the best results. Keep in mind that adjusting the type of bread can help avoid textural issues, with denser breads typically performing better in these types of dishes.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for feeding larger groups or adjusting for smaller families. You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, although you will likely need to extend the baking time to ensure the custard sets properly. Just keep a close eye on the bake and look for that golden top and set custard.

For smaller servings, simply halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller dish, like an 8x8-inch pan. Regardless of the scale, make sure you adjust the refrigerator soaking time to ensure each piece of bread has enough time to absorb the custard mixture. This will keep your bake moist and flavorful, no matter the size.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can use any bread you prefer, like sourdough or whole wheat, but brioche and challah work best for that classic French toast flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

→ Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use almond or soy milk instead of cow's milk, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan version.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cover tightly, and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.