Savory Maple Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Indulge in this delightful Savory Maple Cinnamon Baked French Toast, perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast with family and friends. This easy-to-make dish features layers of your favorite bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, flavored with warm cinnamon and topped off with a drizzle of maple syrup. It's baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy interior and a golden crust. Add a sprinkle of fresh fruit for a burst of color and flavor! Make it ahead of time for an effortless morning treat.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray or parchment paper
as needed (to grease the baking pan)
Bread
6 slices (use your favorite variety, sliced)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for sprinkling)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or your choice)
Maple syrup
1/2 cup (plus extra for serving)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for added flavor)
Fruit
for garnish (fresh berries, banana slices, or your choice)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Lightly spray a 13x9 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
3
Arrange the slices of bread in a single layer in the baking pan, ensuring they fit snugly against each other.
4
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the bread slices.
5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure to coat each slice.
7
If desired, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to overnight to let the bread soak up the custard.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the French toast is firm to the touch and lightly golden brown.
9
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then garnish with fresh fruit and additional maple syrup before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Maple Cinnamon Baked French Toast?
It is a delightful breakfast dish featuring layers of bread soaked in a rich custard made of eggs, milk, maple syrup, butter, and vanilla, flavored with warm cinnamon and baked until golden.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking pan is required?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I make this French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight to let the bread fully soak up the custard before baking.
What are the main ingredients in the custard mixture?
The custard consists of 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What kind of bread should I use?
You can use 6 slices of your favorite bread variety, as long as they are sliced and fit snugly in the pan.
How long does the French toast need to bake?
It should be baked uncovered for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the French toast is done?
The French toast is ready when it is firm to the touch and has reached a light golden brown color.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly spray the pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 2 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
You can use whole milk or any other milk choice of your preference.
When should I add the cinnamon?
The 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon should be sprinkled evenly over the bread slices once they are arranged in the pan, before adding the liquid mixture.
What garnishes are recommended?
Fresh fruit such as berries or banana slices, along with additional maple syrup, are recommended for garnishing.
Is the French toast baked covered or uncovered?
The dish should be baked uncovered.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with other liquid ingredients.
Does the recipe contain vanilla?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the custard for extra flavor.
Can I use parchment paper instead of cooking spray?
Yes, lining the pan with parchment paper is a great alternative to cooking spray for easy cleanup.
How should the bread be arranged in the pan?
The bread slices should be arranged in a single layer, ensuring they fit snugly against each other.
Is there maple syrup inside the dish or just on top?
Maple syrup is used both inside the custard mixture (1/2 cup) and as an optional drizzle before serving.
Is this a good recipe for brunch?
Absolutely, its ease of preparation and rich flavor make it a perfect choice for brunch or family gatherings.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The baked French toast results in a creamy interior with a golden, slightly firm crust.
Do I need to let it cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before garnishing and serving.
Can I use different types of fruit for garnish?
Yes, you can use fresh berries, banana slices, or any other fruit of your choice to add a burst of color and flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the garnishes and pan preparation items.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, with its warm cinnamon and maple flavors, it is categorized as a comfort food breakfast.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, though you may need a second baking pan or a much larger one to ensure the bread stays in a single layer for even cooking.
What should I do if the bread is very thin?
If using thin bread, you might want to reduce the soaking time slightly or use a few extra slices to fill the pan snugly.
Should the butter be hot when added to the eggs?
The butter should be melted but allowed to cool slightly so it does not cook the eggs prematurely when whisked in.
Can I add more cinnamon if I like a stronger flavor?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, you can certainly adjust the amount of ground cinnamon to suit your personal preference.