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Baked French Toast

Baked French Toast Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Method
 

  1. If the bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a sheet and dry in a 300°F oven for 8 minutes, or leave out for an hour. They should feel dry and slightly firm.
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and the sugar dissolves.
  3. Grease a 9x13-inch dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Layer half the bread, pour half the custard, press down, then repeat with remaining bread and custard. Press until submerged, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover dish, dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and sprinkle extra cinnamon on top. Bake 45 to 50 minutes until deeply golden and the center is set with a slight jiggle.
  5. Cool 5 minutes, then slice into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

If you are short on time, a 4-hour soak works, but the texture will be a touch less custardy in the very center. Day-old bread yields the most tender result.