Save to Pinterest 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 family for weekend breakfasts because of its simplicity and comforting taste.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- 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.
Save to Pinterest My family often gathers around this dish on chilly weekend mornings, making it a cherished ritual filled with warmth and good conversation.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Variations
Try adding nuts or diced fruit layers for extra texture and flavor.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk, and wheat gluten. Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 16 g fat, 44 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein.
Save to Pinterest 
This French toast casserole is an effortless way to impress at breakfast or brunch with minimal prep.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah sliced thickly hold the custard well and provide a soft, rich base.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerating the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight helps the bread absorb the custard fully.
- → Which spices are used to flavor it?
Cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom blend to provide a warm, balanced spice profile.
- → Are there suggested toppings?
A melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture is drizzled before baking. Optional garnishes include maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
- → How can I add texture or variation?
Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping gives a nutty crunch, while layering diced apples or pears adds fresh flavor.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this dish contains eggs and dairy but no meat, aligning with vegetarian preferences.
