This French Toast Bake is incredibly easy to prepare—especially if you assemble it the night before. Using brioche bread gives it a soft, pillowy texture with a buttery flavor that sets it apart from other breads. It bakes beautifully and soaks up the custard mixture like a sponge, creating a delicious contrast between a creamy center and golden top. Perfect for feeding a crowd and endlessly customizable with toppings like berries, syrup, or powdered sugar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brioche bread (day-old or slightly stale, cut into cubes)
Eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Butter (for greasing the pan or adding to the topping)
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream
Directions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes and place evenly in the prepared dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes, gently pressing the bread down to soak.
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the middle.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 4 hours or overnight Cook time: 50 minutes Total time: about 5 hours (or overnight + baking)
Variations
Add fresh berries or sliced bananas between layers of bread before baking.
Swap out the brioche for challah or French bread if preferred.
Stir chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the bread for extra flavor and texture.
Use flavored creamers or dairy alternatives for a twist on the custard base.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds, or place in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. French Toast Bake can also be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh brioche bread?
Day-old or slightly stale brioche works best, as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
Can I make this without chilling overnight?
Yes, but chilling for at least 4 hours is highly recommended to allow the bread to absorb the custard evenly.
Is this dish sweet enough on its own?
It’s mildly sweet, making it perfect with toppings like syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar to customize each serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream.
How do I know when the French toast bake is done?
The top should be golden and slightly crisp, and the center should be set with no liquid custard remaining.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, the dish can be assembled the night before and baked the next morning, making it perfect for easy entertaining.
Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, challah, French bread, or Texas toast are all good alternatives to brioche.
Can I add a streusel topping?
Absolutely. A brown sugar and butter crumble topping adds a delicious crunch.
Does this need to be covered while baking?
No, bake it uncovered so the top becomes golden and slightly crisp.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger deep baking dish, increasing bake time slightly.
Conclusion
French Toast Bake with Brioche is a deliciously indulgent breakfast that’s both easy and impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family breakfast or a holiday brunch, its creamy interior and golden crust make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a little prep the night before, you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready to bake in the morning.
French Toast Bake with Brioche is a rich, custardy breakfast casserole made with buttery brioche bread. Baked until golden on top and soft underneath, it’s an easy, make-ahead dish perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend mornings.
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche bread (day-old or slightly stale), cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Butter (for greasing the pan)
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream
Instructions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes and place evenly in the prepared dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes, gently pressing the bread down to help it soak up the mixture.
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit if desired.
Notes
Best made with day-old or slightly stale brioche to avoid sogginess.Customize with berries, bananas, chocolate chips, or nuts.Use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.Prepare the night before for easy baking in the morning.Freezes well after baking—wrap tightly before freezing.
