Decadent Baked French Toast Casserole with Irresistible Streusel Topping
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast experience with this magnificent Baked French Toast Casserole. Imagine waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your home. This crowd-pleasing dish features chunks of rich French bread soaked in a luscious custard of cream and eggs, then crowned with an irresistible brown sugar and spice streusel. It’s the kind of breakfast that will have you eagerly anticipating your next weekend morning meal, ready to get out of bed at the crack of dawn!
There’s something uniquely exciting about a breakfast casserole, and this baked French toast rendition takes morning indulgence to a new level. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors: the soft, custardy bread, the warm embrace of cinnamon and vanilla, and the delightful crunch of the brown sugar streusel topping. As it bakes, the sweet scent will gently rouse even the sleepiest heads, promising a delicious start to any day.
This incredibly easy French toast casserole is a versatile superstar. It’s perfectly suited for a festive Christmas morning breakfast, a relaxed weekend brunch, or a heartwarming family get-together. It also makes an ideal gesture of love for Mother’s Day, showing appreciation with a homemade, delectable treat. No matter the occasion, this baked French toast recipe promises to be a memorable addition to your table.
Serve generous portions alongside a medley of fresh berries or your favorite seasonal fruit. A drizzle of golden honey or rich maple syrup will elevate this dish, making everyone reach for a second helping. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.
If you’re eager to explore more delightful breakfast casseroles that simplify your morning routine, be sure to try our Reuben Breakfast Casserole With Crescent Rolls, the savory Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Bake, or these unique Brunch Enchiladas With Ham. Each offers a distinct flavor profile perfect for any brunch spread.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked French Toast
Crafting the best baked French toast casserole begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting breakfast:
For the French Toast Base:
- French Bread: I typically use one loaf, cut into generous 2-inch chunks, for the ideal texture. French bread provides a sturdy base that soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming overly soggy. However, you can also experiment with other robust breads like a day-old baguette, challah bread for a richer flavor, or even brioche for an extra touch of sweetness and tenderness. Using slightly stale bread is key, as it absorbs the liquid better than fresh, soft bread.
- Heavy Cream: This is a secret weapon for an incredibly rich and decadent baked French toast. The high fat content of heavy cream imparts a luxurious flavor and silky texture to the custard. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, half-and-half can be used as a suitable substitute, though it will result in a less intensely rich flavor.
- Whole Milk: Complementing the heavy cream, whole milk further enhances the richness of the custard. While whole milk is recommended for the best flavor, lower-fat options like 2% or skim milk will also work in a pinch. For those who prefer plant-based alternatives, almond milk or soy milk can be used, though they might subtly alter the final taste and consistency.
- Eggs: The foundational ingredient for any French toast! Eggs are crucial for creating the custardy texture that binds the bread together. Use large eggs for optimal results. Any type of egg will work perfectly here, contributing to the classic flavor profile.
- Vanilla Extract: I highly recommend using pure vanilla extract for the most authentic and aromatic flavor. It adds a beautiful warmth and depth that truly defines a classic French toast. Avoid artificial vanilla if possible.
- Warming Spices: A comforting blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuses this casserole with irresistible warmth. These spices are essential for that cozy, inviting breakfast aroma and taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your preference or even add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for an extra layer of complexity.
For the Crunchy Streusel Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our delightful crumbly topping, providing structure and helping to create that perfect golden-brown crispness.
- Brown Sugar: For the streusel, brown sugar is undeniably superior to white granulated sugar. Its molasses content adds a deeper, more complex sweetness and contributes to a wonderfully moist and chewy crumb that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Do not substitute with white sugar for the topping.
- Butter: Whether you choose salted or unsalted butter, ensure it’s cold and cut into small pieces when you start, then allow it to come to room temperature for easier incorporation into the streusel mixture. Cold butter helps create those desirable distinct crumbs, which then melt into a golden, buttery crust.
- Spices: Just like in the French toast base, a harmonious combination of cinnamon and nutmeg is used in this crumb topping. These spices complement the bread and custard perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their comforting aroma and taste.
How to Make This Easy French Toast Casserole
Creating this delightful baked French toast casserole is a straightforward process, perfect for stress-free mornings or preparing ahead. Follow these simple steps for a truly exceptional breakfast:
First, prepare your baking dish and bread: Begin by lightly spraying a large baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works perfectly) with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange your French bread cubes evenly in a single layer within the prepared dish, ensuring they are not too tightly packed so the custard can fully permeate them.
Second, whisk together the rich custard: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, both light brown sugar and granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth, with no streaks of egg visible. This ensures a consistent and flavorful custard for your French toast.
Third, soak the bread to perfection: Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Gently press down on the bread pieces to ensure they are fully submerged and begin absorbing the flavorful custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Allow this oven French Toast Bake to stand and soak in the refrigerator for at least two hours. For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend letting it soak overnight, which makes this an ideal make-ahead breakfast option.
To make the delicious streusel topping:
First, combine topping ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, cold butter (cut into small pieces), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse, crumb-like pieces form. The mixture should resemble wet sand with some larger pea-sized crumbs. If you prefer, a food processor can also be used for a quicker method to achieve this crumbly texture.
Second, apply the streusel: Once your French toast base has finished soaking, evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the bread cubes. Distribute it well to ensure every serving gets a lovely crunchy crust.
Third, bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the uncovered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard is set. You can gently jiggle the dish to check if the center is firm. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen will be your best indicator!
Serve this incredible French toast casserole warm. Enhance its deliciousness with an extra drizzle of honey, pure maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s truly a breakfast masterpiece that brings joy to any table!
Leftovers, if you happen to have any of this delightful dish, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prepping individual portions.
Love it? Pin it!
If this delightful baked French toast recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, don’t let it slip away! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest breakfast or brunch recipe board before you leave. This way, you’ll always have this perfect make-ahead casserole ready for your next special morning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Baked French Toast
- How do you make French toast so it’s not soggy? The key to preventing soggy French toast, especially in a casserole, lies in the bread choice and soaking time. Opt for day-old, crusty bread that is sliced thickly (at least 1-2 inches). Fresh, thinly sliced bread can absorb too much liquid and break down during baking. Also, ensure the bread has enough time to absorb the custard fully, but not to the point of disintegration – usually, an overnight soak is ideal.
- How do you keep French toast crisp? For a crisp exterior, especially with a streusel topping, ensure the bread cubes are evenly spaced in the casserole dish, allowing air circulation. For the custard, don’t let the bread sit in the egg and milk mixture for an excessively long time if you’re aiming for a slightly firmer texture (though for casserole, a good soak is beneficial). The streusel topping is designed to provide that delightful crunch, so make sure it’s evenly distributed and baked until golden brown. For traditional French toast, lightly toasting the bread before dipping can also help maintain crispness.
- Do you use butter or oil for French toast? When cooking traditional French toast on a griddle, butter will undoubtedly give it a richer, more luxurious flavor and help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. You can also use a combination of butter and a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) to prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures. For this baked casserole, butter is essential for the streusel, adding unparalleled flavor and texture.
- How do you make French toast not soggy after baking? To prevent your French toast casserole from becoming soggy after it’s baked, avoid covering it immediately after removing it from the oven. Steam and condensation can build up, making the bread damp. Allow it to cool uncovered for a short period before serving. If storing leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled before sealing them in an airtight container for the refrigerator or freezer.
- Why is my French toast casserole soggy? Several factors can lead to a soggy French toast casserole. The most common reasons include using bread that is too fresh and soft (which disintegrates easily), using too much milk and egg mixture for the amount of bread, or not allowing enough time for the excess liquid to evaporate during baking. Ensure you use sturdy, slightly stale bread and follow the liquid ratios carefully. Properly baking until golden and set through will also prevent sogginess.
Delicious Substitutions for Your Baked French Toast
This baked French toast casserole is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to customize it with these delightful substitutions:
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Change the Bread: While French bread is classic, don’t hesitate to try other varieties. For a unique twist, consider whole wheat bread for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, egg bread (like Challah or Brioche) for extra richness and a tender crumb, or even sourdough bread for a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the casserole. Each bread type will lend a slightly different character to this French Toast Breakfast Bake recipe, inviting you to discover new favorites.
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Indulge with Croissants: For an exceptionally rich and buttery baked French toast, swap the bread cubes for croissants. Their flaky layers will absorb the custard beautifully, creating an incredibly decadent breakfast experience that feels truly gourmet.
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Cream Alternatives: If heavy cream is too rich or not available, you can easily use half-and-half as a substitute. It will still provide a creamy base for your custard, albeit with a slightly lighter texture and fat content.
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Spice it Up: The warming spices are a highlight, but you can adjust them to your liking. Use all cinnamon for a more singular flavor profile, or all nutmeg if you prefer its unique warmth. For even greater depth and aroma, consider adding a small touch of ground clove, ginger, or allspice to your cinnamon and nutmeg blend.
Expert Tips & Tricks for This French Toast Bake Recipe
Mastering this baked French toast casserole is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
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Uniform Bread Chunks: To ensure even cooking and consistent absorption of the custard, make sure to cut your bread into pieces of roughly the same size. This prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked or under-soaked.
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Smart Storage: Leftovers are a treat! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer enjoyment, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic way to prepare quick, delicious breakfasts on busy mornings.
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Utilize Stale Bread: This easy French toast casserole recipe is an absolutely brilliant way to repurpose stale or day-old bread. Don’t ever throw away slightly hardened bread again – give it a delicious second life!
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Pre-Dry Soft Bread: If your bread is a bit too soft, simply cut it into cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking pan. Let them sit out at room temperature for a few hours (or even overnight) to dry out slightly before soaking. This will help them better absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
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Gourmet Toppings: Elevate your baked French toast with extra toppings! A dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can add another layer of flavor and elegance.
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Layer in Fresh Fruit: For added freshness and flavor, consider layering some fresh fruit directly into the casserole dish before pouring the custard. Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries, work exceptionally well, adding a burst of color and a delightful tartness.
More Brunch Recipes to Love
Love brunch? Us, too! It’s truly a fantastic way to gather friends and family for a leisurely meal together, and the best part is many brunch recipes can be easily made ahead, reducing stress on the day of. Plus — typically there are mimosas involved! *wink*
Here are some more great brunch recipe ideas that are sure to impress:
- Brunch Enchiladas with Ham: A savory and satisfying dish that’s a creative twist on classic enchiladas, perfect for a hearty crowd.
- Banana Bread Pancakes: Combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with fluffy pancakes for an irresistible morning treat.
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake: A moist and tender coffee cake with a delightful streusel topping, ideal for pairing with your morning coffee.
- Baked Banana Fritters: Enjoy these sweet, soft fritters that are baked, not fried, making them a lighter yet equally delicious option.
- Bacon & Swiss Quiche: A classic savory quiche with salty bacon and creamy Swiss cheese, perfect for a balanced brunch.
- Blueberry Toaster Strudel: Recreate a beloved breakfast pastry at home with fresh blueberries and a sweet glaze.
- Tomato Pie: A Southern comfort food staple, this savory pie combines ripe tomatoes with a cheesy filling, great for a unique brunch offering.
- Pączki(Polish Donuts): A rich, yeast-raised donut often filled with fruit jam, a festive and indulgent choice for a special brunch.
If you’re searching for a spectacular baked French toast casserole to elevate your next weekend morning meal, look no further – this is the recipe you need. Made with simple, accessible ingredients, this brunch recipe is guaranteed to be a big hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy creating and sharing this wonderful breakfast experience!
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Print Recipe
Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping
Equipment
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Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup
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Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set (6 Piece Set)
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Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set of 6 Stainless Steel Dual Sided Stackable Teaspoon for Measuring Dry and Liquid Ingredients
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Glass Batter Bowl
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
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Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
Ingredients
- For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread cut into 2-inch cubes (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 8 large eggs
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Prepare the Casserole Base: Lightly spray a large (9×13 inch) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the French bread cubes evenly in a single layer in the prepared dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, both light brown and granulated sugars, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Gently press the bread down to ensure it absorbs the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the bread to fully soak.
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Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, cold butter (cut into small pieces), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the soaked bread cubes. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set.
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Serve warm with extra honey, warm maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Notes
Nutrition