Here’s a delightful recipe for a French Toast Bake, perfect for Christmas or New Year’s morning!
Ingredients:
- For the French Toast Bake:
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) of French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread in the dish evenly.
- Make the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread is soaked.
- Chill:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the nuts, if using.
- Bake:
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve:
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream as desired.
Enjoy your festive French Toast Bake! Perfect for celebrating the morning!