Soft Spice Baked French Toast (Printable)

Warm custard-soaked bread baked with comforting spices for a delicious breakfast or brunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread

01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, day-old, sliced thick (approx. 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 Prepare:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Place the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them.
03 - Whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
04 - Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press down to ensure absorption.
05 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle the mixture evenly over the bread and custard.
06 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for optimal soaking.
07 - Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
08 - Remove cover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
09 - Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as preferred.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Easy weeknight dinners
  • Custardy and warm spiced flavor
02 -
  • Use day-old bread for best texture
  • Can be refrigerated overnight before baking
03 -
  • Use thick slices of brioche or challah for best results
  • Letting it soak overnight enhances the custard flavor
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