Homemade French toast bake is a delightful and comforting breakfast or brunch dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with your family on a lazy weekend morning. Here’s a description of what makes this dish so irresistible:
1. Rich and Custardy Texture: French toast bake starts with thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy custard mixture made with eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. As it bakes, the custard sets, creating a soft and pillowy texture that is incredibly satisfying to bite into.
2. Make-Ahead Convenience: One of the best things about French toast bake is that you can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions when you want to enjoy a homemade breakfast without all the fuss.
3. Versatile Flavors: While classic French toast bake is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness, toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist, or top it with chopped nuts for added crunch.
4. Crispy Topping: French toast bake is often finished with a crispy topping made from a mixture of butter, flour, and brown sugar. As it bakes, the topping caramelizes and forms a golden crust on top of the French toast, adding a delicious contrast in texture to the soft and custardy interior.
5. Family-Friendly: Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, French toast bake is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and oh-so-delicious!
Overall, homemade French toast bake is a classic breakfast dish that is easy to make, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. With its rich custard base, warm spices, and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
FRENCH TOAST BAKE
- 1 cup melted butter (one piece)
- 1 cup brown sugar + 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 loaf of Texas toast cuts the crusts, not necessary but I think it looks nicer.FRENCH TOAST BAKE
- 4 eggs
- 1½ cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon icing sugar, plus more for dusting
- Honey or maple syrup for garnish.FRENCH TOAST BAKE
instructions:
FRENCH TOAST BAKE
This Texas French Toast Bake will knock your morning socks off! Everyone who’s tasted this has wanted the recipe, so we put it here and hope you enjoy it as much as our friends/family all do ! Be sure to use a nice, thick, fresh loaf of thickly sliced Texas French Toast bread. (In fresh bread aisles, not frozen.)
Put the butter in a microwave safe bowl, melt it in the microwave and add 1 cup brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ baking sheet.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and vanilla.
Place the toasted bread in a single layer in the pan, covering the entire surface.
Pour half of the egg-milk mixture over the whole layer of toast.
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Spread half of the mixture on a layer of toasted bread.
Then lay out the second layer of toast and pour in the rest of the egg and milk mixture.
Repeat the process with the rest of the sugar and cinnamon.
Cover with aluminum foil and chill in the fridge overnight.
*You can leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours, but the best results are obtained if you leave it overnight.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the toast cool to room temperature for a few minutes.
Bake for 45 minutes, baking the first 30 minutes with aluminum foil.
Bake until the top is crispy and golden and the inside is tender.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve with honey or maple syrup.
Remarks
Total time: 1 hour plus 6 to 24 hours of soaking