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 baked French toast casserole quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavor and simple preparation.

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.

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always brings smiles around the breakfast table and makes weekend mornings special with family.

Notes

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

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This baked French toast casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and ease perfect for any time brunch or dinner.

Common Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old brioche or challah sliced thickly provides the best texture, absorbing the custard without becoming too soggy.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, after assembling, refrigerate it covered for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor infusion and ease.

→ How do the spices contribute to the flavor?

The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom creates a warm, aromatic profile that enhances the custardy base beautifully.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries add complementary sweetness and freshness to the baked bread.

→ Are there ways to add texture to the topping?

Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the butter and brown sugar topping for a delightful crunch.

→ Can dairy be substituted for dietary preferences?

Using plant-based milk and vegan bread allows a dairy-free variation without sacrificing flavor.