If you are on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug but also impresses with its delicious layers, the French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe is your ultimate go-to. This crowd-pleaser brings together soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Perfect for family breakfasts or lazy weekend brunches, this recipe is a celebration of texture, flavor, and that cozy homemade feeling that makes mornings extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that collaborate to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role — from the sturdy bread cubes that soak up custard like a sponge, to the spices that elevate the sweetness and warmth, and the buttery crumble topping that adds that irresistible crunch.
- French bread or Texas Toast (1 loaf, 450 g): Sturdy bread that soaks up custard without turning mushy.
- Large eggs (8): Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
- Whole milk (480 ml): Adds creaminess and moisture.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (120 ml): Boosts the custard’s richness and smooth texture.
- Brown sugar (200 g, divided): Imparts deep caramel flavor and sweetness, split between custard and topping.
- Granulated sugar (50 g): Balances the sweetness with a cleaner sugar note.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A warm fragrance that ties the custard flavors together beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (3 teaspoons, divided): Gives that classic warming spice, divided for custard and topping.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle holiday spice complexity.
- Plain flour (65 g): Base for the crumble topping, creating a delightful texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all other flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (113 g, cold, diced): The secret to the crumble’s golden, flaky topping.
How to Make French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by lightly coating your 9 by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This ensures that your luscious French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe will slide out effortlessly after baking. Then, preheat your oven to 175°C to get that perfect moderate heat going for an even bake.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, half of the brown sugar, vanilla extract, two teaspoons of cinnamon, and the ground nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is fully blended and silky smooth — this custard will soak into the bread cubes, transforming them into tender, flavorful bites.
Step 3: Coat the Bread Cubes
Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated but not broken down. This step is crucial because the bread needs time to absorb the custard’s richness without becoming soggy, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a fork or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This buttery crumble topping is the crowning glory of your bake, providing that perfect contrast in texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the soaked bread mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the crumble topping uniformly over the surface, creating a beautiful layer that will crisp up delightfully as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. You are looking for a golden, crisp topping encasing a center that is set but still moist — no watery custard allowed! The aroma wafting from the oven will have you eagerly anticipating that very first forkful.
How to Serve French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe with powdered sugar for a light dusting that adds extra sweetness and a lovely visual appeal. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced banana pairs beautifully, adding freshness and color to every bite. For a decadent touch, drizzle with pure maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines brightly as a standalone star, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausages. A fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait also complements the sweetness and richness, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or family? Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with streusel and fresh berries, or pack it into a brunch buffet alongside assorted syrups, nuts, and garnishes for a “build-your-own” French toast bar. Trust me, the French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe is a crowd-pleaser no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making slices even more delicious the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe ahead of time, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole (skip baking), cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time until heated through and golden on top.
Reheating
Reheat leftover slices in a 175°C oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisped slightly. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works, but you’ll lose some topping crunch. For the best texture, I always prefer reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread?
Absolutely! Texas Toast works beautifully because of its thickness and sturdiness, but any firm, day-old bread like brioche or challah can also be used for a richer flavor and tender crumb.
How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the entire French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe up to one day in advance and keep it refrigerated before baking. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the topping. For a vegan egg alternative, try a commercial egg replacer or a flaxseed mixture, though the texture will vary slightly.
What is the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Chilling your streusel topping before baking and using cold butter chunks helps create that irresistible crumbly crunch. Also, baking uncovered at the recommended temperature crisps it nicely without burning.
Can I add extra flavors or ingredients?
Definitely! Add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips can jazz up the French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe. Just fold them into the bread mixture before assembling for an extra burst of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your home with the scent of warm cinnamon and buttery sweetness, this French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough for holiday brunches or brunch parties. Trust me, once you taste that crisp-topped, custardy goodness, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for making mornings spectacular.
Print
French Toast Bake Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Toast Bake Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish, combining custardy soaked bread cubes with a cinnamon-spiced buttery crumble topping. Perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, it delivers a warm, comforting flavor with a rich, creamy interior and a crisp textured topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf (approximately 450 g) French bread or Texas Toast, cut into 2 cm cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 480 ml whole milk
- 120 ml heavy cream or half-and-half
- 200 g brown sugar, divided
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground nutmeg
- 65 g plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- 113 g unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Lightly coat a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with non-stick spray and preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 50 g granulated sugar, 100 g brown sugar, vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg thoroughly until well blended. This mixture will soak into the bread for a custardy texture.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Gently fold the 2 cm bread cubes into the egg mixture, turning carefully to evenly coat all pieces. Continue folding until the bread is fully saturated with the custard mixture for a rich flavor.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the plain flour, remaining 100 g brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter, then use a fork or pulse the mixture in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a crispy, buttery topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the surface to ensure a golden, crunchy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and the center is set without excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked custard texture inside.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter texture.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set fully.
- For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before; let it soak overnight in the refrigerator for convenience.
