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Baked French Toast Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Baked French Toast recipe transforms challah bread into a rich, custardy breakfast treat. Soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, the bread bakes to golden perfection with a soft, velvety interior. Finished with optional powdered sugar and warm maple syrup, this dish is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or holiday morning.

  • Total Time: 55 to 70 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 (16 ounce) loaf challah bread, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1¾ cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For Serving (Optional):

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup maple syrup, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center position. Generously grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with the unsalted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Place the bread in the pan: Tear the challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even soaking and layering. Evenly spread the bread pieces in the prepared baking dish, creating a flat and uniform layer.
  3. Make the egg mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This mixture forms the custard base for the French toast.
  4. Pour and bake: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layer of challah bread in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are well saturated. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the custard is fully absorbed by the bread and the top is golden brown and lightly crisp.
  5. Serve and garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve alongside warmed maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying finish.

Notes

  • Allow the bread to soak thoroughly in the custard mixture to achieve a creamy texture inside.
  • Use day-old challah bread if possible; it holds up better and absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
  • Adjust baking time depending on your oven and the thickness of the bread pieces.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
  • This dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight to develop deeper flavors.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian