Soft Spice Baked French Toast

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.

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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.

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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.