Baked Custard French Toast

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Wake up to the comforting aroma of this Baked Custard French Toast! Thick slices of bread soak overnight in a rich vanilla custard, then bake to golden perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

  • 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Topping

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For Serving

  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Arrange the bread slices in overlapping rows inside the dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  2. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices.
  3. Press the bread gently into the custard to ensure all pieces absorb the mixture.

Step 3: Chill

  1. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If using the topping, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and drizzle over the soaked bread.
  3. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Let the French toast rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries.
  3. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Tips for Perfect Baked Custard French Toast

  • Brioche or challah bread creates the richest texture.
  • Day-old bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • For a fruity version, layer sliced strawberries or blueberries between the bread slices.

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 8–10

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