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french toast bake

French Toast Bake

InsiderMama.com
This French toast bake is soft and custardy on the inside with a lightly crisp cinnamon sugar topping. It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast that feels special without any morning stress.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread about 16 ounces, cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • 8 large eggs.
  • 2 cups whole milk.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, plus more for greasing the dish.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Topping

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed.

Instructions
 

  • Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
  • Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  • Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until fully combined.
  • Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the eggs.
  • Whisk until the custard mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes.
  • Press the bread gently into the liquid to ensure all pieces are coated.
  • Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
  • In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
  • Add the cold butter cubes to the topping mixture.
  • Use a fork or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture is crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
  • If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final minutes.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

For Serving: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries, optional.