Decadent Caramel French Toast Bake
Indulge in the ultimate brunch experience with this Decadent Caramel French Toast Bake. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this dish features rich layers of buttery French bread soaked in a luscious custard infused with vanilla. The sweet caramel base adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Best of all, it's easy to prepare ahead of time — just mix, layer, and refrigerate overnight. When morning comes, pop it in the oven for a warm, golden centerpiece that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds! Whether served for breakfast or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
6
Servings
533
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, no substitutions)
Brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
French bread
12 slices (preferably 1-2 days old)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Eggs
6 large (beaten)
Half-and-half cream or Milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
Vanilla or Maple extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by buttering a 13 x 9-inch baking pan generously.
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Stir continuously until the mixture is bubbly and syrupy, then remove from heat.
3
Carefully pour the warm caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
4
Place 6 slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel mixture, ensuring they cover the entire bottom of the pan.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, half-and-half cream (or milk), vanilla (or maple extract), and salt until well combined.
6
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, allowing it to soak into the bread.
7
Layer the remaining 6 slices of French bread on top of the soaked bread, creating a second layer.
8
Pour the remaining egg mixture over the final layer of bread, ensuring that all pieces are well coated and submerged in the custard liquid.
9
Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
10
The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11
Remove the plastic wrap from the pan and bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
12
Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm, drizzled with extra caramel or maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
67g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Caramel French Toast Bake?
It is an indulgent breakfast dish featuring layers of French bread soaked in a vanilla-infused custard over a sweet, buttery caramel base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this French toast bake?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of French bread, preferably 1-2 days old for better absorption.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and notes 'no substitutions' for this ingredient.
How do I prepare the caramel base?
Combine corn syrup, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until bubbly and syrupy.
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13 x 9-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
Does the pan need to be greased?
Yes, you should butter the 13 x 9-inch baking pan generously before adding any ingredients.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half cream or milk for the custard.
Is it okay to use maple extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of either vanilla or maple extract depending on your preference.
How many eggs are used in the custard?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the other custard ingredients.
How should the bread be layered in the pan?
Place 6 slices in a single layer over the caramel, soak with half the custard, then add the remaining 6 slices and the rest of the custard.
Does this recipe require refrigeration before baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight to let the bread absorb the custard.
What is the baking temperature for the French toast?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Do I bake the casserole covered or uncovered?
After removing the plastic wrap used for refrigeration, bake the casserole uncovered.
How long does the dish need to bake?
It needs to bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 67 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
Can I serve this with anything extra?
Yes, it is delicious drizzled with extra caramel or maple syrup if desired.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is whisked into the custard mixture.
How much corn syrup is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of corn syrup in the caramel base.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, brunch, french toast, baked, caramel, easy recipe, overnight, and family-friendly.
Can this be made for dinner?
Yes, while categorized as breakfast, it can also be served for a cozy dinner.
How do I know when the custard is done?
The custard is done when it is set and no longer liquid, and the top of the bread is golden brown.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing and serving to ensure it holds its shape.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this French toast bake.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breakfast.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features buttery bread with a luscious custard interior and a sweet, crunchy caramel base.