Baked French Toast For A Crowd

Name: Baked French Toast For A Crowd
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread, cubed; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional); Maple syrup, for serving

Highlighted under: Cozy Comforts

I absolutely love hosting brunch gatherings, and one of my go-to recipes for these occasions is Baked French Toast for a Crowd. It's the perfect dish that combines ease with impressive flavors. I like to prepare it the night before, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious custard overnight, which intensifies the taste and texture. When I bake it in the morning, the sweet aroma fills my kitchen, and it always earns rave reviews from friends and family alike. This dish is all about creating a memorable experience without spending hours in the kitchen!

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:17:36.464Z

When I first discovered the concept of baked French toast, I knew I had stumbled upon a winner for my brunch parties. The idea of letting the bread absorb the custard overnight was revolutionary! I remember the first time I made it, I was nervous about the texture, but it turned out perfectly fluffy and golden.

On top of that, I love that you can customize the recipe with different breads and toppings, whether that’s fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream. It’s remarkably versatile, and I always feel like I’m treating my guests to something special without the fuss of individual servings.

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Easily feeds a crowd with minimal effort
Customizable toppings to please every palate
Deliciously fluffy texture that is a brunch favorite

Perfecting the Custard

The custard mixture is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your French toast. When whisking together the eggs, whole milk, cream, and vanilla extract, ensure that the mixture becomes smooth and well combined without any lumps. The combination of heavy cream and whole milk not only enhances the richness of the custard but also contributes to the custard's ability to thoroughly soak into the bread, resulting in a fluffy and tender final product. A good rule of thumb is to whisk until everything is glossy and uniformly blended.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture. Nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon, creating a warm and inviting aroma when baked. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional milk, but keep in mind that this may slightly alter the richness in flavor and texture.

Baking Tips for Success

Before baking, allowing the assembled French toast to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes is crucial. This brief resting period helps the bread absorb the custard more evenly, which results in a more consistent texture. If you skip this step, you may find that some portions are overly soggy while others remain dry. This will ensure that all the bread cubes have had ample time to soak up the custard before being placed in the oven.

When baking, it's important to monitor the French toast closely toward the end of the cooking time. Look for a golden brown hue on top, as well as slightly puffed edges indicating that it has set properly. An internal temperature probe can also be handy; aim for a temperature of about 160°F (70°C) to ensure that the eggs in the custard are cooked through without overbaking.

Serving and Storing

After baking, top the French toast generously with melted butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. I love serving it warm with a side of maple syrup, but consider offering additional toppings such as fresh berries or yogurt for variety. You can also keep additional toppings like crushed nuts in individual bowls, allowing guests to personalize their servings according to their preferences.

To store leftovers, cool the French toast completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you’re looking to freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked French Toast:

For the French Toast

1 loaf of French bread, cubed
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
Maple syrup, for serving

Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in this dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect Baked French Toast:

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed French bread with the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.

Serve

Drizzle with melted butter and powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup and your choice of toppings.

Dig in and enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!

Pro Tips

To make the dish even more special, I like to add some fresh berries on top just before serving. They add a wonderful burst of flavor and color.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about this Baked French Toast is its versatility. You can easily swap out the French bread for challah or even brioche for a different flavor profile. Both options will lend themselves to a rich, custardy texture, which is perfect for soaking up the custard. Additionally, feel free to infuse the custard with different spices, such as cardamom or a splash of bourbon, to elevate the flavor.

For a healthier option, consider using whole grain bread or a gluten-free loaf. The same soaking technique applies and the flavor remains wonderful. If you need to avoid dairy, swap in almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk and heavy cream; just ensure the alternative milk is unsweetened to prevent overpowering the recipe's natural flavors.

Preparing Ahead of Time

For those busy weekends or special brunches, this recipe shines as a make-ahead option. You can prepare the layering and custard soaking the night before, which saves you valuable time in the morning. Just be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out during refrigeration. Setting a reminder to take it out for its 15-minute rest before baking can help streamline your brunch preparation even further.

If you’re making this for a larger crowd, doubling the recipe is a breeze. Just use two baking dishes and monitor them closely in the oven to ensure they bake evenly. You may need to adjust baking times slightly, so check for doneness using the golden color and puffy texture as indicators.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the French toast the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.

→ Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or any bread you prefer, but make sure it's slightly stale for the best results.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze Baked French Toast?

Yes, you can freeze it. Just bake, cool, and wrap tightly; it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.