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Easy Make-Ahead French Toast Bake Recipe for the Perfect Cozy Breakfast

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An easy make-ahead French toast bake that combines custardy softness with crisp edges, perfect for cozy mornings and busy schedules.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread or brioche recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with extra milk)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the baking dish)
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated but not falling apart. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. Brush 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared dish, pressing down lightly with a spatula to compact the bread and minimize air pockets.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is puffed and golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

[‘Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for best texture.’, ‘Let bread soak overnight for best custardy texture; a minimum of 2 hours works in a pinch.’, ‘Use room temperature eggs and dairy to avoid curdling.’, ‘Press bread gently into the baking dish to avoid crushing cubes and to minimize air pockets.’, ‘If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during baking.’, ‘Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to regain crispiness; avoid microwaving.’, ‘Freeze portions wrapped individually for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, make-ahead breakfast, cozy breakfast, cinnamon vanilla, easy brunch, custardy French toast

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-make-ahead-french-toast-bake-recipe-for-the-perfect-cozy-breakfast/