French Toast

by

🛒 Ingredients

For the French Toast:
  • 🍞 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
  • 🍊 Zest of 1 orange
  • 🍳 4 large eggs
  • 🥛 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 🍯 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 🍊 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 🌶️ 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 🧂 A pinch of salt
  • 🍇 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
For the Topping:
  • 🥞 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 🥣 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

🍳 Instructions

Prepare the French Toast Bake
  1. Grease the Dish:
    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Assemble the Bread Layer:
    • Spread the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the orange zest and cranberries over the bread.
  3. Make the Custard:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Pour the Custard:
    • Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
  5. Refrigerate:
    • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare and Bake
  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, and pecans (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.
  3. Bake:
    • Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Cool and Slice:
    • Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Add Garnish:
    • Garnish with powdered sugar, additional orange zest, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • 🍫 Chocolate Twist: Add white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • 🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and coconut oil for milk and butter.
  • 🧊 Make Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
  • 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of ground nutmeg for extra warmth.

🍹 Serving Suggestions

Pair this Cranberry and Orange French Toast Bake with freshly brewed coffee, spiced apple cider, or a holiday mimosa for a festive breakfast or brunch.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Cranberry and Orange French Toast Bake combines the sweet, tangy flavors of cranberries and oranges with the comforting richness of baked French toast. It’s a showstopping, make-ahead dish perfect for holiday mornings or special occasions.

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