Soft Spice Baked French Toast

A comforting, custardy baked French toast infused with warm spices, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or a relaxed weekend breakfast treat.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite for weekend breakfasts and is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy morning.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 loaf (about 450 g) brioche or challah day-old sliced thick
• Custard: 4 large eggs 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/8 tsp ground cardamom Pinch of salt
• Topping: 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter melted 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional Garnishes: Maple syrup Powdered sugar Fresh berries

Instructions

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Step 1:

Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2:

Arrange the bread slices in the dish overlapping slightly.

Step 3:

In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon ginger nutmeg cardamom and salt until smooth.

Step 4:

Pour the custard evenly over the bread Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.

Step 5:

In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping Drizzle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

Step 7:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8:

Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and just set in the center.

Step 9:

Let cool slightly Serve warm topped with maple syrup powdered sugar or fresh berries as desired.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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Gathering around the table to share this warm French toast casserole has become one of our cherished family traditions on slow weekend mornings.

Notes

For a nutty twist add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping Substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream mixture if preferred Try adding diced apples or pears between bread layers for extra flavor For a vegan version use plant milk egg replacer and vegan bread

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Large mixing bowl Whisk Small bowl Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (Dairy) Wheat (Gluten) May contain Tree nuts if added as variation Always check bread and ingredient labels for allergens

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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This soft spice baked French toast casserole can be prepared ahead and makes for an effortless yet impressive breakfast or brunch dish.

Questions & Answers

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old thick-sliced brioche or challah works best as they soak up the custard while maintaining structure.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate covered for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the custard to fully saturate the bread.

→ Which spices are used in the custard?

Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom combine for a warm, soft spice flavor profile.

→ Are there any suggested toppings?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries complement the baked layers beautifully.

→ Can I add nuts or fruit to the casserole?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the topping, and diced apples or pears between bread layers bring extra flavor.