Holiday French Toast Bake Recipe

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When the holidays arrive, nothing beats waking up to a warm, sweet, and comforting breakfast.

This Holiday French Toast Bake Recipe takes the classic French toast you love and turns it into a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dish perfect for Christmas morning, holiday brunches, or a cozy winter weekend.

Bursting with festive flavors, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Holiday French Toast Bake is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and brings festive cheer to the breakfast table.

The warm spices, soft custardy texture, and crunchy topping make every bite irresistible.

Whether it’s Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or a special winter treat, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

For the Bake:

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)

  • 8 large eggs

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried fruit

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Optional Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar

  • Maple syrup

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.

If using dried fruit, chocolate, or nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the bread cubes.

2. Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

3. Refrigerate Overnight (Optional)

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.

If short on time, you can bake immediately, but soaking overnight results in a richer, custardy texture.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.

6. Bake the French Toast

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out clean.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or top with whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

Tips for the Perfect Holiday French Toast Bake

  1. Choose the right bread: Brioche or challah are ideal because they’re rich, slightly sweet, and absorb the custard well.

  2. Customize flavors: Add dried cranberries, orange zest, or chocolate chips to match your holiday theme.

  3. Make-ahead magic: Refrigerating overnight lets the bread fully soak, creating a custardy, decadent texture.

  4. Even baking: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

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