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 favorite in my household, reminding us of cozy weekend mornings spent together.

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

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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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.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe reminds me of slow, happy mornings when my family gathered around the table sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

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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Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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This baked French toast casserole is sure to become your new go-to recipe for a comforting breakfast or brunch.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal as they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight to let the bread soak the custard fully before baking.

→ What spices enhance the flavor?

Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cardamom provide warm, inviting aromas that balance the creamy custard.

→ Are there options to add texture or flavor?

Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping introduces a pleasant crunch and nutty depth.

→ How can I customize the dish for dietary preferences?

Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes along with vegan bread to make a dairy-free, vegan version.