Description: This luxurious French toast bake transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary indulgence. Infused with the delicate aroma of vanilla bean and topped with a crunchy turbinado sugar crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion. Prepare it the night before for a stress-free morning treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 3 tablespoons turbinado or raw sugar (for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and set aside. This prevents the French toast bake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. The butter also adds a subtle richness to the bottom crust.
Step 2: Place the cubed brioche or challah evenly in the prepared dish. Ensure the bread cubes are distributed uniformly to promote even soaking of the custard. Brioche and challah are ideal due to their rich, buttery flavor and ability to absorb the custard without becoming mushy. You can use other types of bread, but adjust the soaking time accordingly. Denser breads may require longer soaking, while lighter breads might need less.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well blended. This creates the luscious custard that infuses the bread with flavor and moisture. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream provides a rich, creamy texture, while the granulated and brown sugar contribute sweetness and a hint of molasses. Vanilla bean seeds add an unparalleled depth of flavor; however, vanilla extract is a suitable and convenient substitute. The cinnamon complements the vanilla and adds a warm, comforting note. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Step 4: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down so it absorbs the liquid. Ensure all the bread cubes are submerged in the custard. This step is crucial for achieving a uniformly moist and flavorful French toast bake. Pressing the bread down gently encourages absorption and prevents dry spots.
Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) to allow the flavors to soak in fully. This soaking period is essential for the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a tender and flavorful bake. The longer the bread soaks, the better the final texture will be. Chilling the bake overnight also allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 6: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. This allows the bake to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Cold ingredients can prolong the baking time and result in an unevenly cooked dish.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven is properly preheated for accurate baking. An oven thermometer can be used to verify the oven temperature.
Step 8: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the soaked bread. The melted butter adds richness and helps the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven. Be sure to distribute the butter evenly to ensure a golden-brown and delicious crust.
Step 9: Sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar to create a crunchy, crème brûlée-inspired topping. Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, has larger crystals that create a delightful crunch when baked. It adds a caramelized sweetness that elevates the French toast bake to another level. If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, but the texture will be slightly different.
Step 10: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the bake. If it comes out clean, the French toast bake is ready. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the edges should be slightly puffed.
Step 11: If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent burning. This will protect the topping from over-browning while allowing the center to cook through.
Step 12: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the French toast bake to set slightly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Step 13: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a drizzle of maple syrup complements the vanilla and cinnamon flavors. Other delicious toppings include fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s an experience. The combination of the soft, custard-soaked bread, the rich vanilla flavor, and the crunchy turbinado sugar topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially since it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a luxurious breakfast treat, this French toast bake is sure to impress. The overnight soaking ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, and the crème brûlée-inspired topping adds a touch of elegance. Plus, the aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible. This is a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with pure maple syrup.
- Top with fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries).
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
- Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage.
- Accompany with a glass of orange juice or a mimosa.
- Offer a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) for added texture.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Tips:
- Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best results. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Don’t skip the overnight soaking; it’s essential for optimal flavor and texture.
- If you’re short on time, soak the bread for at least 6 hours.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Experiment with different flavorings, such as almond extract, orange zest, or cardamom.
- Add a layer of fruit, such as sliced apples or peaches, to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the bread.
- If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use brown sugar for the topping.
- To prevent the topping from burning, tent the bake with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- For individual servings, bake the French toast bake in muffin tins.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adults-only version.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.
- Add chocolate chips or chunks to the bread cubes before soaking for a chocolatey twist.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 10g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 250mg per serving
Conclusion
This Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a truly special recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and crunchy topping make it a standout dish that everyone will love. The overnight soaking and simple preparation make it a convenient option for busy hosts, and the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your own taste. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious breakfast, a show-stopping brunch, or a decadent dessert, this French toast bake is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, prepare the dish the night before, and wake up to the irresistible aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread besides brioche or challah?
A: Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread or sourdough. However, brioche and challah are recommended due to their rich, buttery flavor and ability to absorb the custard without becoming mushy. If you use a denser bread, you may need to increase the soaking time.
Q2: Can I make this recipe without the overnight soaking?
A: While it’s best to soak the bread overnight for optimal flavor and texture, you can soak it for at least 6 hours if you’re short on time. The longer the bread soaks, the better the final result will be.
Q3: Can I add fruit to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can add a layer of fruit, such as sliced apples, peaches, or berries, to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the bread. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q5: Can I freeze this French toast bake?
A: While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire bake due to potential changes in texture, you can freeze individual slices after they have been baked and cooled. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
