Save to Pinterest Festive, bite-sized French toast cubes infused with creamy eggnog, stacked into a charming tree shape—perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my holiday parties because of its fun presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- French Toast: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz) cut into 1-inch cubes, 4 large eggs, 1 cup eggnog, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Pinch of salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- Decoration & Assembly: 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches), 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries), Maple syrup for serving, Star-shaped fruit or cookie (for tree topper optional), Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Mix Custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs eggnog milk sugar vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread:
- Add bread cubes to the eggnog mixture. Gently toss until cubes are evenly coated. Let soak for 5 minutes stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
- Cook Toast Bites:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches add soaked bread cubes and cook turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and cooked through about 2 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
- Drain Bites:
- Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble Tree:
- Once all bites are cooked assemble the tree On a large serving platter arrange bites in concentric circles stacking to form a tree shape. Use toothpicks or skewers for stability if desired.
- Decorate Tree:
- Tuck rosemary sprigs between bites to mimic tree branches. Decorate with berries as ornaments. Place a star-shaped fruit or cookie at the top as a tree topper if using.
- Finish:
- Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this festive dish every holiday morning it really brings everyone together.
Notes
Substitute brioche or challah with thick-cut white bread if preferred. For an extra festive touch add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the eggnog mixture (adults only). Best served warm; reheating in a low oven is recommended if preparing ahead.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Whisk Large nonstick skillet Spatula or tongs Paper towels Serving platter Toothpicks or small skewers
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten). May contain Tree nuts if using certain bread or toppings. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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Enjoy this festive treat warm for the best flavor and texture it's guaranteed to impress your guests.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for soaking?
Brioche or challah breads are ideal due to their soft, slightly sweet texture that absorbs the custard well without becoming soggy.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can soak the bread cubes ahead and fry them just before serving to maintain freshness and optimal texture.
- → How can I assemble the toast cubes into a tree?
Arrange the cooked cubes in concentric circles on a platter, stacking layers to form a conical shape, using toothpicks for stability if needed.
- → What alternatives enhance the eggnog mixture?
Adding a splash of spiced rum or bourbon brings warmth and depth, perfect for adult servings during holidays.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, using gluten-free bread in place of brioche or challah ensures the dish can accommodate gluten sensitivities.