Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, let me share my all-time favorite recipe for **Baked French Toast**! Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those leisurely Sunday mornings spent with my family, where we’d gather around the table, sipping coffee, and diving into a sweet, custardy delight. This dish has become a staple at my house and is perfect for both special occasions and casual brunches.
What I love most about it is its versatility! You can throw it together in the evening, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to the delightful aroma of warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness wafting through your home. Let’s dive into the delicious details, shall we?
What’s in Baked French Toast?
Bread: For this recipe, I love using a loaf of French or challah bread, but any thick-sliced bread works well too. The beauty of using a rich, airy bread is that it soaks up all the custardy goodness beautifully.
Eggs: Six large eggs are the backbone of this recipe, giving it that rich, creamy texture that we all crave in a good French toast.
Milk and Heavy Cream: A combo of 1 1/2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream transforms this dish into a luxurious treat. You could sub in whole milk if you’re in a pinch, but trust me, the cream adds a heavenly depth.
Brown Sugar: The half-cup of brown sugar sweetens things up, adding a subtle hint of caramel flavor and helping create that delightful crust on top.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla is a must! It enhances the sweetness and pairs perfectly with the spices.
Cinnamon: Ah, my favorite spice! One teaspoon of ground cinnamon makes the flavors pop and gives that warm, cozy feel.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon) helps to balance the sweet elements and brings everything together.
Unsalted Butter: Drizzling melted butter on top (1/4 cup) adds richness and creates that beautiful, golden crust as it bakes in the oven.
Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar: Last but not least, these are optional toppings, but who can resist a drizzle of real maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar?
Is Baked French Toast Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest – this isn’t exactly a health food, but it does have some redeeming qualities!
Bread: When made with whole grain or artisan bread, you get some fiber and nutrients, especially if you opt for whole grain options.
Eggs: They provide a good source of protein and healthy fats. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins B12 and D.
Milk and Heavy Cream: These add calcium and vitamin D to help keep those bones strong!
But, a heads up: this dish is definitely on the richer side, especially with the heavy cream and sugar. I’d recommend saving this treat for special occasions or a delightful weekend brunch to keep things balanced!
Ingredients for Baked French Toast
– 1 loaf of bread (French or challah), cut into thick slices
– 6 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
*Serves: 6-8*
How to Make Baked French Toast?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the slices of bread in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary. This is where the magic happens!
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and frothy.
4. Pour this custard-like goodness evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Give the bread a gentle press with your hands to soak it all in – can you smell it yet?
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread, letting it seep down into the layers.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and pop it back in for an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s golden brown and puffed!
7. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes – trust me, you’ll want to savor the anticipation.
8. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy!
More Ways to Enjoy Your Baked French Toast!
– **Make it the Night Before:** You can prepare everything the night before! Just assemble and cover tightly with foil, refrigerate overnight, and then bake it fresh the next morning. No one has to know how easy it was!
– **Add Some Fruit:** Toss in some berries or slices of bananas either into the custard or as a topping for a fresh twist.
– **Get Creative with Toppings:** Consider trying whipped cream, nuts, or even a dollop of yogurt on top for a delightful combo.
I promise you, once you try this Baked French Toast, it will become a beloved recipe in your home just like it is in mine. Don’t forget to share your experience or any fun variations you try! Happy cooking, and enjoy every syrupy, sweet bite!
