There’s something deeply comforting about slipping into the weekend with a warm, sweet breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. The first time I made this French Toast Bake recipe, it was a total kitchen win moment. I had invited a handful of friends for a casual brunch, and honestly, I was scrambling to find something tasty and effortless to serve. When that baked French toast came out of the oven, golden and custardy, everyone’s eyes lit up—and that feeling? It was everything.

This French Toast Bake recipe has since slotted itself firmly into my go-to list whenever I want an easy breakfast bake that impresses without requiring me to be tethered to the stove. It’s that overnight French toast casserole magic where custard soaked bread turns into a sweet breakfast casserole that practically makes itself while you sleep. I love how it feels cozy but not stuffy, and it never fails to hit the spot.

I’m always excited to share this kind of find with fellow foodies who love a straightforward recipe that delivers layers of flavor and texture. Plus, there’s something about a dish you can prep ahead, pop into the oven, and then relax while the irresistible smell fills the kitchen that makes breakfast feel like an event, not a chore. So, if you’re hunting for a breakfast game-changer, this French Toast Bake recipe is it. Let’s dive in and make your mornings easier—and tastier!

What You’ll Need:

This French Toast Bake recipe keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. Here’s what you’ll gather:

1 loaf of thick white bread or brioche (about 12 slices, cubed) Grab it fresh from any grocery store bakery aisle. No brioche? No problem, thick sandwich bread or challah work great in this French Toast Bake recipe too!
6 large eggs You’ll want these to create that perfect custard soaked bread effect.
2 cups whole milk Prefer dairy-free? Almond or oat milk are great easy swaps here.
3/4 cup granulated sugar Sweet but balanced—a must for this sweet breakfast casserole vibe.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract This brings warmth and sweetness to the custard base without overpowering.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Cinnamon is the classic spice that wraps all the flavors up nicely.
1/4 teaspoon salt It’s the little something that cuts through sweetness and pulls everything together.
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Adds a subtle crunch I always sneak into my French Toast Bake recipe to kick things up a notch.
Butter or non-stick spray for the baking dish

Budget-wise, this French Toast Bake recipe is kind to your wallet because the ingredients are staples you might already have on hand, and a loaf of bread goes a long way to feed a crowd. You can snag everything at standard grocery stores without hunting for specialty items.

Quick prep tip: cubing the bread the night before helps it soak up all that custardy goodness perfectly. Also, I always add a little extra vanilla because it brightens the whole dish for me.

Leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, and it’s almost as good as fresh. Sometimes I fold leftover bites into a sweet bread pudding remix for dessert!

Remember, this French Toast Bake recipe is flexible, approachable, and meant to feel comforting—not fussy. That’s what keeps me coming back to it every time.

Let’s Cook This Together:

Start-to-finish, this French Toast Bake recipe comes together in about 10 minutes active prep and then it sits overnight or bakes fresh in under an hour if you’re short on time. Here’s how I make this easy breakfast bake happen:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish with butter or spray. A 9×13-inch dish is just right.
Cube your bread and spread it evenly in the dish. If you want to add nuts, sprinkle them evenly on top—the crunch contrast is gold.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined. This custard is the soul of your French Toast Bake recipe.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to make sure every piece is soaked. Don’t rush this step—good soaking equals dreamy texture.
Cover with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key for that signature overnight French toast casserole feel, letting the custard soak deeply into the bread.
When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard looks set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Resist the urge to poke too soon! This is the step where I learned to be patient with my French Toast Bake recipe—it makes all the difference in creamy, custardy perfection. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving so it firms up a touch.

If your French Toast Bake recipe looks a little puffier or less set than you expected, that’s totally fine—it will settle as it cools.

Quick shortcut: If you’re short on overnight time, soak the bread custard mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temp, then bake as usual. Another friendlier easy breakfast bake alternative!

Tips learned after multiple takes: Don’t skip the shake of cinnamon and vanilla—they’re simple but crucial flavor heroes. Also, experiment with brioche vs white bread—it changes the richness but stays crowd-pleaser delicious.

For more inspiration, this French Toast Bake recipe reminds me so much of the Overnight Baked French Toast – Our Best Bites that has similar cozy vibes and straightforward indulgence.

How to Serve & Savor It:

This French Toast Bake recipe truly shines when you serve it with fresh fruit—think juicy berries or sliced bananas—to balance the sweet breakfast casserole richness.

I love drizzling it with warm maple syrup or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for that extra bit of charm. For savory contrast, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side turn it into a breakfast feast worth savoring.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this French Toast Bake recipe is on a lazy weekend or when we’re having people over. It stakes its claim as the main event but feels effortless to whip up, making your hosting life easier and the table more inviting.

Presentation-wise, a fresh sprinkle of chopped nuts on top just before serving adds a dinner-party-worthy finish. Little rosemary sprigs or a dollop of whipped cream work too if you want to dress it up.

Leftover wise, you can repurpose this baked French toast into smaller stovetop skillet cakes: Just cube leftovers, fry them in butter until crisp, and serve with syrup. It’s a fun twist that feels new but uses your sweet breakfast casserole leftovers well.

Seasonal spins are worth trying—I’ve swapped in pumpkin spice during fall inspired by my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, or added ginger and apple glimpses following my Ginger Spiced Apple Holiday Bake for a holiday vibe.

If you want a straightforward crowd-pleaser version, the style here echoes the classic Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe, but with extra tips and my favorite tweaks.

Your Questions, Answered:

Can I prep parts of this French Toast Bake recipe ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, soaking your cubed bread in the custard overnight is the secret to that lush, custardy texture. Just cover and refrigerate once assembled.

What’s a good swap for milk in this French Toast Bake recipe?
I’ve happily swapped in almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free. Just know that whole milk adds richness, but these easy swaps make it approachable for all diets.

Can I make this French Toast Bake recipe for more or fewer people?
Totally. For fewer folks, halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish. Double it for a crowd, and use a larger pan or two dishes to ensure even baking.

Why does my baked French toast turn out soggy sometimes?
You might need a longer custard soak or a bit more baking time. Also, pressing the bread into the custard well helps prevent sogginess. If the top bakes faster than the center, tent loosely with foil and bake longer.

What’s your favorite twist in this French Toast Bake recipe?
Adding chopped pecans and a pinch of nutmeg is my secret move. It adds warmth and crunch without overdoing it.

Can I freeze this baked French toast?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap in foil or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Reheat slowly in the oven to revive that homemade breakfast feeling.

Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Using gluten-free bread works perfectly here. Just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up soaking in custard.

For more tips and a similar slightly pumped-up vibe, I also love how Paula Deen serves her baked French toast casserole —perfect for inspiration.

Final Foodie Thoughts:

This French Toast Bake recipe has a special spot in my heart because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm, tasty gift to yourself and your people. It’s approachable, flexible, and downright satisfying wherever it lands on your breakfast or brunch rotation.

My Top French Toast Bake recipe Tips:
Don’t rush the custard soak—overnight is magic.
Use a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for best results.
Add nuts or a little nutmeg for an easy flavor boost.

Variations I’m crazy about include pumpkin spice blends for fall, a cinnamon-apple combo, or a chocolate chip swirl version when I want a sweet indulgence.

The classic French Toast Bake recipe version with cinnamon, vanilla, and nuts gets requested every time I bring it to a get-together. There’s just something universally comforting about it that everyone loves.

My wish for you? That you make this French Toast Bake recipe your own—tweak it, play with flavors, enjoy the slow, cozy mornings it creates, and share it with the people who make cooking fun.

If you’re ready for a breakfast that feels like a treat, a tradition, and a total kitchen win, dive in and share the love this French Toast Bake recipe brings. Your mornings are about to get a whole lot brighter!

For more everyday foodie inspiration, check out French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Start and savor the joy of simple morning magic.

French Toast Bake recipe

Print Recipe

This French Toast Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast casserole featuring custardy baked bread slices soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla mixture. Perfect for a family brunch or meal prep, it delivers warm, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Author: Tayla Emerson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread absorbs the custard.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Before baking, mix together brown sugar, chopped pecans (if using), and melted butter to create the topping.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and use coconut cream. Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.