French Toast Bake

This French toast bake is warm, sweet, and perfect for feeding a crowd without standing at the stove flipping slices. The butter and brown sugar melt into a caramel-like layer on the bottom, while the bread soaks up a simple vanilla custard overnight. Baking it covered first keeps it soft and custardy, then uncovered time helps it turn golden. It’s ideal for holidays, brunch, or any morning you want something cozy and low-effort. Finish with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and plenty of warm maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 loaf thickly sliced bread
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
• Cinnamon, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Melt butter in the microwave and stir in brown sugar until mixed.
2. Pour the butter/sugar mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan and spread evenly.
3. Beat eggs, milk, and vanilla together.
4. Lay a single layer of bread slices in the pan.
5. Spoon half of the egg mixture over the bread.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon over the bread and custard.
7. Add a second layer of bread.
8. Spoon remaining egg mixture over the top.
9. Cover and chill in the fridge overnight.
10. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes (covered for the first 30 minutes), then sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon and serve with warm maple syrup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10

Tips

Use sturdy, slightly stale bread (like Texas toast or thick-cut brioche) so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

Chill overnight for best texture, and let it rest 5–10 minutes after baking before slicing; store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days.

FAQ

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Overnight is best, but even 2–4 hours helps the bread soak up the custard.

Can I use a different kind of bread?
Yes—brioche, challah, French bread, or Texas toast all work great if sliced thick.

Why bake covered first?
Covering keeps the center soft and custardy; uncovering at the end helps the top brown.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm slices in the oven at 350°F or microwave briefly, then add syrup right before serving.