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 dish quickly became a family favorite for weekend mornings and surprises as a delightful dinner option.

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

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

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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.

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

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Gathering around the table for this casserole always creates wonderful memories, with everyone eager for seconds.

Notes

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.

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Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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A simple dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Recipe Q&A

→ What bread types work best for this dish?

Brioche or challah are ideal due to their rich, soft texture that soaks up the custard well without becoming mushy.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the assembled dish for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper custard absorption and enhanced flavor.

→ What warm spices are included?

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom combine to give a cozy and well-rounded spice profile.

→ How should I serve it?

Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries to complement the spice notes.

→ Are there options for dietary preferences?

For vegan adaptations, substitute plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan bread. Nuts or fruit layers can be added for variety.