Ultimate Make-Ahead Baked French Toast Casserole with Streusel & Cranberry Maple Syrup
Prepare to elevate your next holiday brunch with this spectacular baked French toast casserole, featuring a delightful cinnamon-spiced crumbly streusel topping and an effortlessly delicious cranberry maple syrup. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece designed to impress your guests and make festive mornings truly special.
Are you searching for that perfect, unforgettable main dish to anchor your holiday breakfast or brunch spread? Look no further – you’ve found it. This baked French toast casserole recipe goes beyond the ordinary, transforming a classic into something truly extraordinary with its rich streusel topping and a vibrant homemade cranberry maple syrup that’s simple yet incredibly flavorful. Imagine warm, custardy bread baked to golden perfection, crowned with a crunchy, sweet crumble, and drizzled with a festive, fruity syrup. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become a holiday tradition.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, rich, and bursting with flavor, but it’s also remarkably easy to prepare. Best of all, it can be assembled ahead of time, making it the ultimate addition to your busy holiday schedule. Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas morning feast, a lively New Year’s Day brunch, or any special gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to delight your guests and have them eagerly asking for the recipe and coming back for more.
Table of Contents
- What is baked French toast?
- Ingredients you’ll need
- How to make this baked French toast recipe
- Make this recipe ahead of time
- Variations & serving suggestions
- More brunch ideas
- Get the recipe
What is Baked French Toast? A Convenient & Delicious Alternative
Baked French toast offers a wonderful departure from the traditional griddle method, providing a stress-free way to serve a crowd without standing over a hot stove flipping individual slices. Instead of cooking piece by piece, this recipe involves arranging slices of bread in a casserole dish, generously soaking them in a sweet, rich egg and milk mixture, and then baking the entire dish in the oven until it achieves a beautiful golden hue and a perfectly set interior.
The result is a truly magical combination: a soft, almost custard-like texture within each slice of bread, beautifully contrasted by a slightly crispy, golden-brown crust and a crumbly streusel topping. It’s an incredibly efficient way to prepare French toast, making it ideal for holiday brunches, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to feed multiple people simultaneously without sacrificing flavor or elegance. Think of it as a decadent bread pudding designed specifically for breakfast, and it’s a culinary concept we can all enthusiastically embrace!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked French Toast
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable baked French toast casserole. Here’s what you’ll need to make this holiday favorite:
- A nice loaf of bread: The foundation of any great French toast. While I personally love using sliced brioche bread for its rich, buttery flavor and incredibly soft texture (it’s also widely available!), you can certainly opt for other varieties. French bread, challah, or any quality artisan loaf will work wonderfully. Even thick slices of regular white sandwich bread can be transformed into something special if you prepare it correctly.
- Milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract: These classic ingredients form the luscious custard base that the bread soaks in. Just like traditional French toast, this mixture infuses the bread with sweetness and creates that irresistible custardy interior once baked. Whole milk will yield the richest results, but you can adjust based on your preference.
- Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter: These simple components come together to create the irresistible streusel topping. The brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness, while cinnamon provides that warm, inviting spice perfect for the holidays. Cold butter is key for achieving that crumbly, tender texture that bakes up golden and crispy.
- Pure maple syrup: For the cranberry maple syrup, I highly recommend using pure maple syrup. Its natural depth of flavor is unparalleled. While imitation syrup can be used in a pinch, real maple syrup will truly elevate the entire dish.
- Cranberries: These tart, vibrant berries are essential for the festive cranberry maple syrup. You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries, whichever is more accessible. They add a beautiful color and a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. (See the “Variations” section if you’d like to try other berries!)
- Cinnamon stick: Adding a cinnamon stick to the maple syrup infuses it with an even deeper, more aromatic holiday spice, making the syrup exceptionally fragrant and flavorful.
- Whipped cream: An optional but highly recommended topping for serving. A dollop of light, airy whipped cream beautifully complements the rich French toast and fruity syrup.
baking tip:Do you need to use stale bread?
But is it absolutely necessary for the bread to be dry and stale to absorb the liquid effectively? The short answer is no, it doesn’t *have* to be old or completely rock-hard stale. However, bread that is a bit drier will indeed soak up more of the egg mixture, leading to a richer, more uniform custard throughout the casserole and preventing a mushy result. If your bread is fresh, there are easy ways to dry it out slightly:
To easily dry bread out:
- Overnight method: Simply slice or cube your bread (depending on your preferred presentation) and spread it out in a single layer on a sheet pan. Leave it uncovered on your counter overnight. The exposure to air will gently dry it out.
- Oven method: For a quicker approach, arrange your sliced or cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it feels dry to the touch but not deeply browned. This removes excess moisture, preparing it perfectly for soaking.
This little bit of preparation ensures your baked French toast casserole will have the ideal texture, absorbing all that delicious custardy goodness without turning soggy.
How to Make This Baked French Toast Casserole
Creating this festive baked French toast is a straightforward process, especially with the advantage of being able to prepare it ahead of time. Follow these steps for a perfect brunch dish:
- Arrange bread slices in baking dish: Begin by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange your bread slices in the pan. If using a sliced brioche loaf, cutting the slices into triangles can create a beautiful visual presentation and help them fit snugly. Play around a bit to find the best way to layer the bread, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for soaking.
- Whisk egg mixture and pour over the bread: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and smooth. This is your rich custard base. Carefully pour this mixture evenly over all the bread slices in the baking dish, making sure every piece is moistened and begins to absorb the liquid. Gently press down any floating pieces to ensure full saturation.
- Let it rest in the fridge: This step is crucial for achieving that desirable custardy texture. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the absolute best results and deepest flavor absorption, I highly recommend letting it rest overnight. This extended chill time allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, leading to a more tender and flavorful French toast when baked.
- Top with streusel: Once you’re ready to bake, prepare the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a fork or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pieces of butter still visible, about the size of small peas. The mixture should be crumbly but you should be able to clump it slightly with your hands. Evenly sprinkle this delicious streusel topping over the soaked bread slices in the baking dish.
- Bake to golden perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the center of the French toast is set and no longer jiggly. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes for easier slicing.
- Prepare the cranberry maple syrup: While your French toast casserole is baking, prepare the quick and easy cranberry maple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, whole cranberries (fresh or frozen), and a cinnamon stick. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal here isn’t to thicken the syrup, but rather to infuse the maple syrup with the tart, fruity essence of the cranberries and the warm spice of cinnamon. Some cranberries will naturally pop, releasing their juices, while others will remain whole, adding texture.
- Serve and enjoy! Once the French toast has rested, cut it into individual slices. Serve each warm slice generously drizzled with the homemade cranberry maple syrup and, if desired, a dollop of fluffy sweetened whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This combination is truly divine!
Effortless Entertaining: Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
This baked French toast casserole is a dream come true for holiday hosts! Its make-ahead convenience means you can enjoy a stress-free morning, knowing that most of the work was completed the night before. This is particularly valuable during busy festive seasons when every moment counts. Here’s how to prepare each component in advance for ultimate ease:
For the Casserole: Assemble the French toast casserole exactly as instructed in the baking dish, right up to the point of adding the streusel. Once assembled and thoroughly soaked, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator overnight. While it’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture, this overnight soak is actually highly beneficial for flavor development!
For the Streusel Topping: The streusel topping can also be prepared in advance. After combining all the dry ingredients and cutting in the cold butter, transfer the crumbly mixture to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. You’ll simply sprinkle it over the casserole right before it goes into the oven.
For the Cranberry Maple Syrup: The cranberry maple syrup is incredibly stable and can be made up to 1 week in advance. Prepare it as directed, then store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, gently warm the syrup over low heat on the stovetop to restore its fluidity and fragrant warmth, enhancing its deliciousness.
Creative Variations & Delicious Serving Suggestions
While this baked French toast casserole is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with these variations and serving suggestions to tailor it to your taste or event:
- I wholeheartedly recommend serving this baked French toast with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream. The lightness and creamy texture provide a beautiful contrast to the rich casserole and the tart-sweet syrup.
- Flavor the Egg Mixture: Elevate the custard by infusing it with other complementary flavors. Try adding a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright citrus note, or a splash of brandy or bourbon (about 1-2 tablespoons) for a sophisticated, warming undertone. For an even richer and more festive custard, consider substituting eggnog for some or all of the milk. If using eggnog, you might want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly, as eggnog is already sweetened.
- Enhance the Streusel Topping: Introduce more aromatic spices to the streusel topping. A pinch of ground cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice can add an extra layer of warm, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. You could also mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunchy texture.
- Maple Syrup Fruit Variations: The maple syrup can be flavored with a variety of other berries instead of cranberries. Blueberries are an excellent alternate choice, offering a sweet and slightly tangy burst that works wonderfully. Raspberries and blackberries would also be delicious, though they tend to break down and dissolve more into the syrup, creating a thicker, fruitier sauce. Consider mixed berries for a colorful and flavorful blend!
Complementary Brunch Ideas
Looking to build an epic holiday brunch spread? Pair this incredible baked French toast casserole with these equally delicious dishes for an unforgettable feast that will leave your guests thoroughly satisfied and impressed!
Get the Full Recipe Details Below
Ready to bake this incredible holiday brunch centerpiece? Here’s the complete recipe for the Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping and Cranberry Maple Syrup, including all the specific measurements and detailed steps to ensure your success!
Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping and Cranberry Maple Syrup
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Ingredients
For the french toast:
- 1 lb sliced bread , such as brioche, French or other artisan bread (455 grams)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (455 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66 grams)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream , for serving (optional)
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter , cold and cut into cubes (56 grams)
For the cranberry maple syrup:
- 12 oz pure maple syrup (312 grams)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (100 grams)
- 1 cinnamon stick
Equipment
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Line the slices of bread in the pan.
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In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the bread slices, making sure every slice is moistened. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
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When ready to bake the french toast, preheat oven to 350°F.
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In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until they are the size of very small peas. (Note: this step can also be done the night before. Store topping in the fridge.)
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Sprinkle the streusel topping over the bread slices. Bake until the topping is golden and the center is set, about 30-40 minutes (cover with foil if topping browns too quickly). Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
To make the cranberry maple syrup:
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While the french toast is baking, make the syrup. Combine the maple syrup, cranberries and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You don’t want the syrup to thicken at all, we’re just infusing it with berry flavor. Some cranberries will pop and others will stay whole.
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The syrup will keep in the fridge for at least 1 week. If made in advance, warm over the stove before serving.
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Slice French toast and serve slices with whipped cream (if desired) and warm cranberry maple syrup.
Notes
- I used a sliced loaf of brioche bread and cut slices into triangles before arranging in pan.
- Other berries such as blueberries can be substituted for cranberries if desired.
This recipe was originally published December 2014, and has been updated for clarity and enhanced instructions.