Bethie's Delightful Baked French Toast Bake
This delightful baked French toast bake is a spin on traditional recipes, focusing on a perfect balance of texture without the soggy side effects from overnight soaking. Instead, we take thick slices of challah bread and transform them into a warm, comforting dish that the whole family will love. With a mix of raisins, coconut, and a tantalizing buttery cinnamon topping, this recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Feel free to personalize your creation by adding your favorite dried or fresh fruits, or even a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing twist. Serve it warm with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a delightful breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Challah Bread
1 loaf (Thickly sliced)
Vegetable Cooking Spray
As needed (For greasing the pan)
Raisins
1 cup (Dried)
Shredded Coconut
1/2 cup (Unsweetened)
Large Eggs
10 (Beaten)
Milk
2 1/2 cups (Any preferred dairy variety)
Cream
1/2 cup (Optional, can be substituted with additional milk)
Cinnamon
1 tablespoon (Ground)
Pure Vanilla Extract
1 tablespoon (Extract)
Sugar
1-2 tablespoons (To taste; vanilla sugar can be used)
Salt
1 pinch (Table salt)
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
Dark Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Sliced Almonds
1/2 cup (Optional, for topping)
Maple Syrup
To taste (Warmed for serving)
Instructions
1
The night before baking, slice the challah bread into thick slices and allow them to sit out on a cooling rack; this helps them to dry slightly.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying it generously with vegetable cooking spray.
4
Tear the dried bread slices into bite-sized pieces and layer them in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the raisins and shredded coconut over the bread.
5
In a large measuring bowl (at least 8 cups), whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Add in the milk and cream, mixing until combined. Adjust the dairy according to your preference.
6
Stir in the sugar, pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, ensuring everything is well combined.
7
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread layer, using a spatula or your clean hands to gently press down on the bread so it absorbs the liquid. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes to ensure the bread is fully saturated.
8
For the topping, combine the softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and additional cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly using your hands to create a crumbly mixture.
9
Spread the topping over the soaked French toast mixture as evenly as possible. For those who prefer nut-free options, consider only adding almonds to half of the dish.
10
To prevent any spills while baking, place a cookie sheet underneath the baking dish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set. Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
12
Serve warm, drizzled with a touch of warmed pure maple syrup, and enjoy this mouthwatering breakfast treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bethie's Delightful Baked French Toast Bake?
This is a spin on traditional recipes that focuses on a perfect balance of texture without the soggy side effects of overnight soaking.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A loaf of challah bread is used, sliced thickly for the best results.
Do I need to soak the bread overnight?
No, this recipe avoids overnight soaking; the bread only needs to sit for 15 minutes once the liquid is added.
How should I prepare the bread the night before?
Slice the challah into thick slices and allow them to sit out on a cooling rack to dry slightly.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the baking dish generously with vegetable cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How many eggs are needed for this bake?
The recipe calls for 10 large eggs, which should be well beaten.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use 2 1/2 cups of any preferred dairy variety.
Is the cream mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of cream is optional and can be substituted with additional milk if preferred.
What spices are used in the egg mixture?
The mixture includes ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
What flavorings are added to the liquid?
The recipe uses pure vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to taste.
How do I ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture?
Use a spatula or clean hands to gently press down on the bread pieces until they are fully saturated.
What ingredients make up the topping?
The topping is a mixture of softened unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and additional cinnamon.
How should I mix the topping?
Mix the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon thoroughly using your hands to create a crumbly texture.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the optional sliced almonds or only add them to half of the dish.
Why should I use a cookie sheet during baking?
Placing a cookie sheet underneath the baking dish helps prevent any spills in the oven.
How long does the French toast bake?
Bake for 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is set.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before you serve it.
How is this French toast bake served?
Serve it warm, ideally with a drizzle of warmed pure maple syrup.
Can I add fresh fruit to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to personalize the creation by adding your favorite dried or fresh fruits.
What can I add for a refreshing flavor twist?
A hint of citrus zest can be added for a refreshing twist.
What type of coconut is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut.
How do I prepare the bread for the dish?
Tear the dried bread slices into bite-sized pieces and layer them in the dish.
When are the raisins and coconut added?
Evenly distribute the raisins and shredded coconut over the bread layer before adding the liquid.
Can I use vanilla sugar instead of regular sugar?
Yes, vanilla sugar can be used to taste in the egg mixture.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It offers a warm, comforting texture with a crumbly cinnamon-butter topping and no sogginess.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is designed as a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Is this bake good for brunch?
Absolutely, it is a delightful breakfast or brunch option that is sure to impress guests.
What type of butter is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.