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.

This soft spice baked French toast casserole has become a family favorite on sleepy weekend mornings.

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

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2:

Arrange the bread slices in the dish overlapping slightly.

Step 3:

In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon ginger nutmeg cardamom and salt until smooth.

Step 4:

Pour the custard evenly over the bread Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.

Step 5:

In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping Drizzle evenly over the casserole.

Step 6:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

Step 7:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8:

Uncover and bake for 40 45 minutes until golden brown and just set in the center.

Step 9:

Let cool slightly Serve warm topped with maple syrup powdered sugar or fresh berries as desired.

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Mix batters, prep ingredients, grate vegetables, and store leftovers easily during baking and everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Save

Gathering around the table to enjoy this warm dish has created some of our fondest family memories.

Notes

For a nutty twist add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping Substitute half-and-half for the milk/cream mixture if preferred 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

Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

Check price on Amazon

This recipe is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice that will brighten your mornings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Brioche or challah bread, preferably day-old and sliced thick, absorb the custard well and provide a tender, rich texture.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the custard-soaked bread covered for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen the flavors and improve texture.

→ Are there spice substitutions recommended?

You can adjust the warm spices by increasing cinnamon or adding cloves if desired, maintaining the balanced aromatic profile.

→ What toppings complement this baked dish?

Melted butter, brown sugar topping caramelizes during baking; serving with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries enhances its flavor.

→ Is it possible to make a vegan version?

Use plant-based milk, an egg substitute, and vegan bread to adapt this dish for a vegan diet while keeping its custardy texture.