Caramel French Toast Bake
This caramel French Toast Casserole has a caramel bottom, topped with a crusty bread that is soaked in an cinnamon egg base. Top with syrup, fruit or "as is". This is make-ahead and freezer friendly too.
Ingredients
- 1/2 loaf diced & cubed bread (about 8 oz, 1/2 loaf) french bread, sourdough, italian bread, brioche
- 7 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cup milk whole
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter salted or unsalted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13x9 inch pan and set aside
- In a medium or large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk with the milk, cream, vanilla and cinnamon. Set aside.
- On medium heat, melt butter in pot. Then, add the brown sugar and whisk until well combined. If the butter and sugar seem to be somewhat separated- it isn't done yet. Continue to whisk over the heat until it is very smooth.
- Pour the caramel on the bottom of your greased pan. I like to set aside appx 1/4 cup to drizzle on the top.
- Next add the cubed bread on top of the caramel sauce, then top with the egg mixture. Drizzle the remaining caramel on top if you wish.
- Bake the casserole at 400 F for 25-35 minutes (uncovered) until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling a bit, and center is set. Internal temperature of casserole should reach 160 F.
Notes
Notes:
Bread: I recommend our easy Italian Bread in this recipe. You can also use French Bread, Brioche Bread, Sourdough. I have even used regular sandwich bread when in a pinch, and it was still very good. (Pro Tip: save the ends of your bread loaves, dice up, freeze and turn into a French toast bake when you have enough)
Make Ahead: You can prep this ahead, let it set overnight, and bake in the morning per instructions above.
Freezer French Toast: this freezes well both before baking and after.
Before Baking: assemble the casserole completely in a freezer safe pan, cover with foil or lid, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and bake as instructions indicate.
Freeze After Baking: let the casserole cool completely after baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, and warm in oven at 350 F covered for the first 20 minutes, then uncovered until warmed through.
Variations: add sliced apples to the bake for caramel apple french toast or mixed berries. When serving, top with syrup, powdered sugar, or just enjoy plain.
Nutrition Information is an estimate and will vary greatly based on what type of bread and other ingredients used.
Nutrition
Serving: 200gCalories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 13gFat: 34g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!