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.

I love making this dish for my family on weekends; it brings everyone together with its comforting aroma and rich flavors.

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, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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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, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe always brings memories of cozy mornings spent with loved ones, sharing delicious food and laughter.

Notes

For a nutty twist add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping. Substitute half-and-half for the milk/cream mixture if preferred. 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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Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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This dish is perfect for both special occasions and casual breakfasts alike.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best?

Day-old brioche or challah with thick slices absorbs the custard well, providing a soft, custardy texture when baked.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the assembled dish overnight to enhance flavor and texture before baking.

→ What spices are included?

The custard blends cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom for warm, aromatic notes.

→ Are there suggested toppings?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries complement the sweet, spiced flavors nicely.

→ Can I add nuts or fruit?

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping, or layer diced apples or pears between bread slices for extra texture.