Description
This Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring soft cubes of French bread soaked in a rich custard flavored with real vanilla bean and cinnamon. Topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel and optional nuts, it’s baked to golden perfection and perfect for cozy mornings or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast Bake:
- 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts, optional)
Instructions
- Cut Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk Eggs: In another bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, the seeds from the split vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and gently toss to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the bread mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts if using. Add the cold cubed butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat fully.
- Add Topping: Remove the French toast mixture from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping mixture over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
- Cool Slightly: Let the French toast bake sit for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven to set further and cool slightly.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, allow the bread to soak in the custard overnight.
- You can substitute vanilla bean paste if fresh vanilla bean is unavailable.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch to the topping.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave, making it a great make-ahead breakfast.
- Use day-old French bread for best soaking and texture results.
