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Cozy Baked French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup

cozy baked french toast casserole - featured image
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This make-ahead baked French toast casserole features a rich custard-soaked brioche base with a crunchy brown sugar topping, all finished with warm maple syrup. Perfect for cozy mornings and holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (12-14 ounces) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (for serving)
  • Fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; whisk until smooth.
  3. Pour custard over bread cubes, pressing gently to soak. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  4. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Let casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle topping evenly over bread.
  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown and center is set but slightly jiggly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  7. Let rest 5-10 minutes. Warm maple syrup. Cut into squares, drizzle with syrup, and serve.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute oat milk and coconut cream. For gluten-free, use sturdy gluten-free bread. Let casserole rest before baking to ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast casserole, overnight French toast, maple syrup, brioche, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/cozy-baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup/