Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe

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If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish marries the rich, tender texture of challah bread with a luscious cinnamon and vanilla-infused custard, baking to golden perfection. It’s comfort food elevated—a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressively decadent. Whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special morning treat, this baked french toast wraps the classic flavors you love into one irresistible casserole.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients—each simple, yet essential. They come together to create a custard that soaks into the challah bread, adding incredible flavor, softness, and a gorgeous golden color after baking.

• Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons: Used for greasing the dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle buttery note.
• Challah bread, 1 (16 ounce) loaf, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups): This soft, slightly sweet bread is perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
• Eggs, 6 large: They give the custard structure and richness, binding everything together beautifully.
• Heavy cream, 1 cup: Adds a luxurious creaminess and depth to the custard.
• Whole milk, 1 ¾ cups: Balances the richness of the cream to keep the custard light and silky.
• Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Infuses a warm, fragrant sweetness that brightens the dish.
• Ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons: Brings that classic cinnamon warmth, elevating the flavor profile to an irresistible level.
• Powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon (optional): For dusting the finished dish, adding a touch of sweetness and an elegant look.
• Maple syrup, ¾ cup, warmed (optional): The perfect drizzle to finish, complementing the cinnamon and vanilla with rich sweetness.

How to Make Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish generously with the unsalted butter. This simple step ensures your baked french toast comes out of the dish clean and adds a subtle buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Step 2: Layer the Challah Bread

Tear your challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces—this size is perfect for soaking up the custard without turning mushy. Arrange the pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. The soft, sweet nature of challah is key here; it acts like a sponge, soaking in all the flavors from the custard mixture in the next step.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated and smooth—the cinnamon and vanilla will infuse the custard with a warm spiced aroma that’s absolutely mouthwatering. This custard is what makes the recipe so special—rich yet balanced and amazingly flavorful.

Step 4: Pour Custard and Bake

Pour your cinnamon-vanilla custard evenly over the layered challah bread, pressing gently if needed to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid. Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven, until the custard is set and the bread is golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is fully absorbed and the edges start to crisp just slightly—pure heaven in every bite.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let your baked french toast cool just a bit. For an extra touch of sweetness and beauty, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of warmed maple syrup for that perfect finishing touch that takes this dish from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a fresh handful of berries can bring a bright contrast to the warm, custardy richness. Toasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts add delightful crunch and depth. Whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also be lovely for creaminess and balance.

Side Dishes

Serve this baked french toast alongside fresh fruit salad or juicy citrus slices for a refreshing interplay of flavors. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage are hearty companions, creating a satisfying sweet-and-savory brunch plate everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, serve in individual ramekins for personal-sized portions—or create a layered presentation by building your casserole in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the custard-saturated challah. You can even try a dollop of mascarpone cheese on top with a drizzle of honey for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked french toast keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but the texture is best enjoyed fresh or quickly reheated.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top, or microwave individual portions until hot. If reheating from frozen, bake covered at 350°F until heated thoroughly, about 40 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different bread instead of challah?

Absolutely! While challah is ideal for its texture and sweetness, brioche, Texas toast, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread can work nicely. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted to help it absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?

Yes! The Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings. It can easily be doubled or tailored to your pan size, making it great for feeding a large group with minimal fuss.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Definitely. You can assemble the challah and custard in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a convenient and delicious breakfast!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, but keep in mind the custard will be slightly less rich and creamy.

How do I know when the baked french toast is fully cooked?

You’ll see the custard set and the edges will turn golden brown and slightly crispy. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a slight custard coating. Resist opening the oven early to avoid sinking!

Final Thoughts

This Baked French Toast with Challah Bread and Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your breakfast repertoire. Its combination of soft, custardy bread, comforting warmth from cinnamon and vanilla, and that golden-baked finish is pure magic. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy every spoonful of this delightful brunch treat—you won’t regret it!

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