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–+ servings
Square image of slice of casserole on plate garnished.
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French Toast Casserole

This fantastic French Toast Casserole is fluffy, moist, and oozing with hints of vanilla and other yummy flavors. Topped with syrup and powdered sugar it is the best breakfast or brunch!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Soak Time6 hours
Total Time7 hours 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 359kcal
Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces crusty French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs well beaten
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

For the topping:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar to serve
  • Maple syrup to serve

Instructions

  • Begin by spraying a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and placing the cubed bread into the baking dish before setting it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and whisk together well until combined. It's okay if some of the cinnamon floats to the top.
  • Pour the mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
  • Use a large spoon and press the bread into the custard mixture so it starts to soak it up. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to soak for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the plastic wrap from the dish.
  • Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, until smooth.
  • Drizzle this topping all over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the baking dish with tin foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you can insert a knife into the center and it comes out clean.
  • Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup, or your other favorite toppings.

Notes

  1. Add some freshly grated nutmeg to the custard for a little twist, perfect for the holiday seasons.
  2. You can use all milk in place of the heavy cream, to me the heavy cream adds more richness to this decadent casserole but it is not necessary.
  3. You can make this up to 12-15 hours ahead of time, just store it covered in the refrigerator.
  4. This can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
  5. You can add other toppings, see above for options.
  6. We like a crusty french bread but any sturdier bread will work.
  7. Add some mix-ins to switch it up, see above for some ideas.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 2mg