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
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Arrange the bread slices in overlapping rows inside the dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Press the bread gently into the custard to ensure all pieces absorb the mixture.
Step 3: Chill
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using the topping, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl and drizzle over the soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the French toast rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries.
- 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
