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The Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

This Best French Toast Casserole recipe is a delicious, make-ahead breakfast or brunch option featuring brioche soaked in a rich coconut milk and egg custard, topped with a buttery nut crumble. It is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden, puffy perfection, perfect served with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

Ingredients

Base

  • 12 slices Bread, cut into cubes (preferably Brioche)

Custard

  • 1 3/4 cup Coconut milk, full fat (or half full fat milk and half cream)
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
  • 2 tsp Orange zest
  • 1/2 tsp Salt

Crumble Topping

  • 3 tbsp Butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp Brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup Nuts (walnuts and pecans), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed brioche bread evenly in a 9-inch baking dish to create the base for the casserole.
  2. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, orange zest, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the custard completely.
  4. Rest the Mixture: Cover the baking dish and let it sit for at least one hour at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight to allow the custard to soak thoroughly.
  5. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  6. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped nuts using a fork until small, moist crumbs form.
  7. Assemble and Bake: Evenly scatter the crumble topping over the soaked bread in the baking dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown, puffy, and the custard is set.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey and fresh fruit on the side.
  9. Store Leftovers: Cover leftover casserole and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
  • Using full-fat coconut milk adds richness but you can substitute with dairy milk and cream if preferred.
  • Feel free to use other types of bread such as challah or Texas toast for variation.
  • Serve with maple syrup, honey, or fresh fruits like berries and sliced bananas for added flavor.
  • Ensure the custard soaks the bread well for a soft, custardy texture.