Decadent French Toast Bake Recipe
Prepare to indulge in a breakfast delight that is as sumptuous as it is convenient. This French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast, perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings. The creamy, rich texture and the tantalizing sweetness of real maple syrup make every bite a luxurious experience. Just remember, the key to this dish’s extraordinary flavor is using genuine maple syrup, which truly elevates the taste to another level. With a little patience, allowing the bake to rest in the refrigerator overnight will ensure that each serving is perfectly soaked and ready to bake.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (cut into cubes)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes)
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- Cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by cubing the French bread into bite-sized pieces and cutting the cream cheese into small cubes. Set these aside, ready for assembly.
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Layer the Pan: Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place half of the cubed French bread into the dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the bottom.
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Add Cream Cheese: Scatter the cream cheese cubes over the layer of bread, distributing them as evenly as possible for consistent creaminess in every bite.
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Finish Layering: Top the cream cheese with the remaining bread cubes, layering them over the cream cheese to form a hearty, thick bed of bread.
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Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 eggs until well combined. Add the milk and real maple syrup to the eggs, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
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Pour Over Bread: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered bread and cream cheese, ensuring all the bread is well soaked. You may want to press down slightly to help the liquid absorb evenly.
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Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, creating a perfectly rich and custardy texture.
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Bake: The next day, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and bake the French Toast Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Serve: Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with additional maple syrup just before enjoying.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 557.5
- Fat Content: 31.4 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.6 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 388.2 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 693.7 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 47.1 grams
- Fiber Content: 1.9 grams
- Sugar Content: 8.8 grams
- Protein Content: 21.4 grams
Notes
- Maple Syrup: For the best flavor, always use real maple syrup. It makes a significant difference in the taste compared to imitation syrups.
- Make Ahead: This dish is ideal for preparing the night before. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and well-soaked the bread will become.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly special breakfast treat.
Enjoy this French Toast Bake as a fantastic start to your day, or even as a special brunch dish for gatherings. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation! 🥞🍁✨