French Toast Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Toast Bake is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for feeding a crowd. With soft, custardy bread layers and a sweet cinnamon topping, it delivers all the flavor of classic French toast without the need to stand at the stove. Great for holiday mornings, brunches, or lazy weekends, this dish is warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bread (preferably day-old French or brioche)
eggs
milk
heavy cream
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
salt
butter
powdered sugar (for topping)
maple syrup (for serving)

directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place evenly in the baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to help it soak in.

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.

Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours to overnight
Baking time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: ~5 hours (with overnight option)

Variations

Add chopped nuts or sliced bananas for extra texture and flavor.
Use flavored breads like cinnamon swirl or raisin for a twist.
Top with fresh berries before serving for a refreshing contrast.
Add a cream cheese swirl for a cheesecake-like effect.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make French Toast Bake without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, though chilling improves texture. Let it sit at least 30 minutes before baking if you’re short on time.

Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but sturdier breads like brioche or French bread hold up better.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with more milk or use half-and-half.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter alternatives.

Should the bread be stale?
Day-old bread is best to absorb the custard without becoming too mushy.

Can I prepare and bake on the same day?
Yes, just ensure the bread soaks for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Conclusion

French Toast Bake is the perfect solution for easy, crowd-pleasing breakfasts. With minimal prep and major flavor payoff, it’s ideal for holidays, gatherings, or when you want to enjoy a warm breakfast with no morning stress. Prepare it once, and you’ll have a new brunch favorite.

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