Custard French Toast Casserole
A rich and comforting custard French toast casserole made with cubes of bread soaked in a vanilla cinnamon custard and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumb topping. Perfect for overnight preparation, weekend brunch, and holiday breakfasts.
Servings: 10
Calories: 390kcal
Ingredients
- For the French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf about 16 ounces French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Add the bread: Spread the cubed French bread or brioche evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down with a spatula so it absorbs the custard. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and work it into the mixture with a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips until coarse crumbs form.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soft.
- Brioche, challah, or French bread are all excellent choices.
- Avoid overbaking; the center should be set but still soft and custardy.
- For the crispiest topping, prepare and add it just before baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest before slicing so the custard can finish setting.
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 28 g