Oven-Baked French Toast

French toast has long been cherished as a beloved breakfast and brunch staple, gracing tables across the globe with its warm, comforting presence. Whether served at a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday brunch, or a leisurely weekend breakfast, this dish evokes feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction. The beauty of French toast lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility, allowing for endless flavor combinations and variations to suit every palate.

Indulge in the deliciousness of Heavenly Vanilla Almond Oven-Baked French Toast, a perfect breakfast treat for gatherings or cozy mornings. This recipe features thick-cut brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich custard infused with vanilla and almond extracts, creating a warm aroma and scrumptious flavor. Baked to golden perfection, it offers an easy way to prepare a generous serving without the hassle. Top it with maple syrup and sliced almonds for a delightful crunch!

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Ingredients

1 loaf of thick-cut brioche or challah bread (about 8-10 slices)

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Fresh berries (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the Bread: Slice the brioche or challah into thick pieces of about 1-1.5 inches. You can cut them into triangles or leave them rectangular.

Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Assemble the Dish: Layer the slices of bread in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them if necessary. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that all pieces are well soaked. Press down gently on the bread to submerge them in the custard.

Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for added crunch and flavor.

Soak: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in order to fully absorb the custard.

Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the center is puffed and cooked through.

Serve: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and an extra drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | Serves 6-8