Baked French Toast For A Crowd

Name: Baked French Toast For A Crowd
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for serving; Fresh fruit compote (optional)

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Favorites

I love hosting brunches, and when I do, this Baked French Toast for a Crowd is a guaranteed favorite. It's so easy to prepare, allowing me to enjoy time with my guests instead of hovering over the stove. The blend of cinnamon and maple syrup soaks into the bread overnight, creating a custardy texture that is nothing short of delightful. Whether it's a holiday gathering or a weekend celebration, this dish always wins hearts and fills bellies.

Created by

Isobel Fairfax

Last updated on 2026-02-10T22:37:37.113Z

When I first made this for my friends, I was a bit skeptical about how it would turn out. To my delight, as soon as it came out of the oven, the intoxicating aroma filled my kitchen. The combined scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and syrup had everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be prepared the night before, saving valuable time in the morning when I just want to enjoy brunch.

I've realized that using challah or brioche bread makes a significant difference in texture, giving it a decadent quality that regular bread can't match. To elevate it further, I enjoy serving it with a fresh fruit compote or a dusting of powdered sugar, enhancing the flavors while adding a pop of color to the presentation. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any brunch table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect for large gatherings or celebrations
Delicious blend of spices with a touch of sweetness
Make-ahead convenience means less time in the kitchen

Mastering the Perfect Soak

Achieving the ideal custard-like texture in your Baked French Toast hinges on the soaking step. Allowing the slices to absorb the custard mixture absorbs moisture not only flavors the bread but also softens it for baking. Press down on the bread after pouring the custard to ensure even saturation. If you're short on time, aim for soaking it for at least 4 hours; however, an overnight soak results in bread that's even more tender and flavorful.

Avoid the temptation to skip the refrigeration step, as this allows the spices and maple syrup to infuse into the bread fully. This dish is designed to be made-ahead, allowing you to streamline your brunch preparation and eliminate the last-minute rush in the kitchen.

Baking Tips for Optimal Results

To ensure your French toast bakes evenly, it's crucial to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) properly. Make sure your baking dish is placed in the center of the oven for consistent heat distribution. Look for golden edges and a slight puffing of the bread during baking—it should be firm to the touch but still soft in the middle. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

After baking, let the French toast cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This waiting period allows the custard to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds visual appeal but also balances the rich flavors of the custard.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Baked French Toast for a Crowd:

Ingredients

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into thick slices
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for serving
Fresh fruit compote (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready and measured out for easy assembly!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious Baked French Toast:

Prepare the Bread

Arrange the slices of challah or brioche bread in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, overlapping them slightly.

Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.

Refrigerate

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Bake the French Toast

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit compote, if desired.

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your delightful dish!

Pro Tips

Use day-old bread for better texture, and feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a splash of orange juice to the custard can give it a refreshing twist!

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Baked French Toast with a fresh fruit compote elevates the dish, cutting through the richness with bright, fruity flavors. Simple compotes can be made by simmering berries or stone fruits with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until they break down. Consider pairing with whipped cream or yogurt for added creaminess—a dollop of vanilla yogurt would work wonderfully here!

For a twist, you could offer a variety of toppings. Maple syrup is traditional, but pecans or walnuts add crunch, while chocolate chips can provide a sweet surprise to each bite. Try serving it alongside a selection of fresh fruits; strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices create a colorful, inviting spread.

Variations and Dietary Swaps

Feel free to experiment with different bread varieties! While challah and brioche provide a rich, buttery flavor, sourdough or whole grain bread can impart unique textures and tastes. If you're looking for a gluten-free version, consider substituting your favorite gluten-free bread, just be cautious as some types may absorb liquid differently.

For those watching their dairy intake, almond or oat milk can be used instead of traditional milk and cream, while an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce works in place of eggs. Keep in mind that these alternatives will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but with the right spices, you’ll still achieve a delicious result.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the Baked French Toast the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended to let it soak overnight for the best flavor and texture.

→ What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Challah or brioche are the best choices due to their richness and ability to absorb the egg mixture.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! You can freeze individual servings and reheat them in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit compote complement this dish beautifully!