Soft Spice Baked French Toast (Printable)

Custardy baked French toast with warm spices offers a comforting, flavorful start to your day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, day-old, sliced thick (about 16 oz)

→ Custard

02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk (16 fl oz)
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (4 fl oz)
05 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar (2.3 oz)
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
11 - Pinch of salt

→ Topping

12 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 oz)
13 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (1.75 oz)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - Maple syrup
16 - Powdered sugar
17 - Fresh berries

# How To Make It:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Place bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping.
03 - Whisk eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until smooth.
04 - Pour custard evenly over bread slices and gently press to absorb.
05 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon; drizzle over the casserole.
06 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
07 - Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Uncover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and set at the center.
09 - Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as preferred.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Easy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend breakfast
  • Warm spices for comforting flavor
02 -
  • Use day-old bread for the best texture
  • Refrigerate custard-soaked bread for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor
03 -
  • Use thick slices of brioche or challah for best custard absorption
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor
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