Decadent Sticky Bun French Toast Bake
This Decadent Sticky Bun French Toast Bake is my go-to recipe for special brunch occasions. It combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich, gooey sweetness of a sticky bun. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning, and watch as your guests rave about this delightful dish! With layers of your favorite bread soaked in a luscious custard and topped with a heavenly caramel sauce, it's the perfect way to start any day, especially a holiday or family gathering. Impress your loved ones with this showstopper that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread
16 oz (sliced 1/2 - 1 inch thick (such as French bread, Hawaiian bread, or cinnamon swirl bread))
eggs
5 (large)
half-and-half
1 cup (n/a)
milk
1 cup (n/a)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (n/a)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (n/a)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (n/a)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
light corn syrup
2 tablespoons (n/a)
pecans
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Grease a 9x13 inch glass baking dish or a large oval glass baking dish.
2
Slice the bread and lay one even layer in the dish, squeezing them in if necessary. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until fully combined.
4
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
5
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Uncover the dish.
6
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and chopped pecans (if using). Keep stirring until everything is combined and heated through, then remove from heat.
7
Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish.
8
Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until puffed, bubbly, and golden brown.
9
Allow the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. For easier cleanup, place a cookie sheet or a piece of tin foil underneath the baking dish to catch any overflow.
10
For an extra sticky and gooey finish, consider doubling the caramel topping recipe.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Sticky Bun French Toast Bake?
It is a rich brunch dish that combines the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a gooey caramel sticky bun topping.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What kind of bread is recommended for this French toast bake?
You can use 16 oz of French bread, Hawaiian bread, or cinnamon swirl bread.
How thick should the bread be sliced?
The bread should be sliced between 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, the bread should be soaked in the custard and refrigerated overnight for the best results.
What ingredients are in the custard?
The custard consists of eggs, half-and-half, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 5 large eggs for this recipe.
What are the measurements for the milk and cream?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half and 1 cup of milk.
What spices are used in the custard?
The custard is flavored with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch glass baking dish or a large oval glass baking dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the sticky bun caramel topping?
Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and optional pecans until heated through.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
You will need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of sugar is used for the caramel?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is corn syrup necessary for the topping?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup to achieve a gooey texture.
Are pecans mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans is optional.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the French toast bake?
It should bake for approximately 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the bake is finished?
The French toast will be puffed, bubbly, and golden brown when it is ready.
How long should the dish sit before serving?
Allow the dish to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven.
How do I prevent caramel overflow in my oven?
Place a cookie sheet or a piece of tin foil underneath the baking dish to catch any drips.
Can I make the topping even stickier?
Yes, you can double the caramel topping recipe for an extra sticky and gooey finish.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the glass baking dish before adding the bread.
Is this a good recipe for a holiday?
Absolutely, it is described as a showstopper perfect for holiday or family gatherings.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to grease a 9x13 inch glass baking dish or a large oval glass baking dish.
When do I add the caramel mixture?
Drizzle the caramel mixture evenly over the soaked bread the next morning, just before baking.
Does the bread need to be in a single layer?
Yes, lay the bread in one even layer, squeezing the slices in if necessary.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
Do I cover the dish during refrigeration?
Yes, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as easy to make despite its decadent results.