Save 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 recipe because it brings a warm, delicious aroma to my kitchen and is always a hit at family brunches.
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
- Prepare dish:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Arrange bread:
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish overlapping slightly.
- Mix custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon ginger nutmeg cardamom and salt until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
- Prepare topping:
- In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and just set in the center.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly Serve warm topped with maple syrup powdered sugar or fresh berries as desired.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a warm and satisfying meal.
Notes
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.
Save 
Enjoy this comforting dish that fills your home with warmth and delight each time you bake it.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different bread types?
Yes, thick slices of brioche or challah work best, but day-old French bread or a sturdy white loaf can be used for similar results.
- → How long should the bread soak in the custard?
For best texture, refrigerate the assembled dish at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow thorough soaking.
- → What spices enhance the custard flavor?
A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom provides a warm, fragrant profile that complements the custard richness.
- → Are there suggested toppings?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries add sweetness and freshness, balancing the spiced custard.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assembling the dish the night before and baking it in the morning enhances flavors and saves time.
- → Is it possible to make a vegan version?
Substitute plant-based milk, use egg replacers, and select vegan bread to adapt the dish while maintaining texture and flavor.