Baked Brioche French Toast Squares Recipe
A decadent and comforting baked brioche French toast casserole featuring rich custard-soaked brioche cubes baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead breakfast dish is perfect for leisurely mornings and special occasions, served with classic toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large loaf brioche bread, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (optional but lovely!)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. Distribute the brioche cubes evenly across the dish, creating a uniform layer for the custard to soak into.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, forming a rich custard.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard evenly over the brioche cubes in the baking dish. Press lightly on the bread so every cube absorbs the custard thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow soaking, or overnight for deeper flavor and texture integration.
- Preheat & bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is fully set, indicating that the custard has cooked through.
- Cool & cut: Allow the baked French toast casserole to cool for about 10 minutes, making it easier to cut. Then slice into squares for serving.
- Serve & enjoy: Dust the squares with powdered sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant and delicious finish.
Notes
- Soaking the bread overnight intensifies flavor and ensures a custardy interior.
- Brioche is preferred for its rich buttery texture, but challah or thick white bread are good substitutes.
- Adjust sugar amount to taste for a less sweet or sweeter casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brioche or bread alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.
Keywords: baked French toast, brioche French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked custard toast, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe
