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To make Easy French Toast Bake, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 slices of stale bread (preferably French or brioche) - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for serving) - 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) - Powdered sugar, for dusting Each item plays a key role. The bread forms the base, soaking up all the tasty flavors. Eggs and cream create the custard that makes this dish rich and fluffy. Sugar and spices boost the sweetness and warmth of the bake. Walnuts add crunch, but you can skip them if you prefer. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they will come together for a delightful dish! 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cook the dish evenly. 2. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. 3. Cut 8 slices of stale bread into cubes. Make sure they are bite-sized. 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 2 cups whole milk. 2. Add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. 3. Mix in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Whisk until smooth. 4. Pour this custard evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to coat all pieces. 1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in while baking. 2. Bake for 25 minutes covered in the preheated oven. 3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden top and a set center. 4. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. This shows it’s done. 5. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. This French toast bake is simple and tasty. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of this article. Choosing the right bread is key. I like using French or brioche bread. These types soak up the custard well and add great flavor. Stale bread is best for this recipe. Fresh bread can become too soggy. Stale bread holds its shape better and absorbs the mixture evenly. Adding spices makes the bake special. Ground cinnamon is a must for warmth. You can also try nutmeg for a nice touch. If you want more flavor, add vanilla extract. Toppings can take it up a notch too. I love fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup. Whipped cream adds a creamy finish. Serving straight from the dish feels cozy. Just slice and serve. It looks inviting and is easy for guests. For a rustic style, place it on a wooden board. Add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for color. This makes the dish feel special and homey. For the full recipe, refer to the Sweet Cinnamon French Toast Bake section. {{image_4}} You can add fruits to your Easy French Toast Bake for extra flavor. Berries, bananas, and apples work great. I love mixing blueberries or strawberries with the bread. They add a burst of sweetness. For bananas, slice them thin and layer them in. Apples can be diced and sprinkled on top. Each fruit adds a unique taste and texture. You can switch up the nuts too. Pecans or almonds make tasty choices. They add a nice crunch to the bake. If you want a nut-free option, just leave them out. The French toast bake still tastes amazing without nuts. You won't miss them at all. For those who follow a vegan diet, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use almond milk instead of whole milk. Replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free bread. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can still enjoy all the deliciousness! After baking the French toast bake, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps set the dish. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can reheat your French toast bake in two ways: the microwave or the oven. If you use the microwave, place a portion on a plate. Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check to make sure it’s warm throughout. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes until warm. If you want to freeze the French toast bake, wait until it cools completely. Cut it into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap each square in plastic wrap for easy serving later. To thaw it, move the squares to the fridge overnight. For reheating, follow the same oven instructions as before. This method keeps the flavor fresh and delicious. You can find the full recipe to make this tasty dish again. Yes, you can make it the night before. It saves time in the morning. To do this, follow these tips: - Assemble the dish as usual. - Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. - Place it in the fridge overnight. - Bake it in the morning, adding a few extra minutes if needed. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container. For best taste, reheat within that time frame. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options: - Half-and-half works well. - Whole milk can be used too. - For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture. Using stale bread is important for this recipe. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better. Fresh bread may get too soggy. It also adds a nice texture. If you don’t have stale bread, leave fresh bread out for a few hours. This blog post covered how to make an Easy French Toast Bake. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it even better. I also shared variations and storage info. Remember, stale bread is key for great texture. Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Enjoy making this dish that brings comfort to your table. It’s delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing. Now, go on and make your own tasty creation!

Easy French Toast Bake

Savor the joy of breakfast with this Easy French Toast Bake that’s as simple as it is delicious! Perfect for busy mornings, you can prep it the night before and impress everyone with its warm, comforting flavors. This recipe combines stale bread, eggs, and creamy custard for a rich treat, and you can customize it with fruits and nuts. Click through to discover how to make this delightful dish that will brighten your mornings and bring the family together!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of stale bread (preferably French or brioche)

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for serving)

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring it’s well coated to prevent sticking.

    Cut the stale bread into bite-sized cubes and arrange them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If you're incorporating walnuts, sprinkle half of them over the bread cubes for extra flavor and crunch.

      In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.

        Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down, allowing it to absorb the custard mixture evenly.

          If you have opted to use chopped walnuts, sprinkle the remaining amount on top of the bread for an added texture contrast.

            Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes covered.

              After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

                Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. Dust the surface lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

                  Slice the French toast bake into squares and serve warm. Drizzle with additional maple syrup for those who enjoy a sweeter touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: You can serve the French toast bake straight from the dish for a cozy, inviting presentation. Alternatively, transfer it to a large wooden board for a rustic, family-style dining experience. For an extra touch, garnish each serving with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dish visually.