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Easy Creamy French Toast Bake Recipe for Perfect Christmas Morning

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A creamy, custardy French toast bake with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for Christmas morning or any special breakfast. This recipe is quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser with a velvety texture thanks to cream cheese blended into the custard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche or challah preferred)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for greasing the baking dish)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cube 8 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, and 1 cup heavy cream until fully combined.
  3. Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese until almost melted, then whisk it into the custard mixture until smooth and creamy.
  4. Stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until blended.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down the bread with a spatula to help soak up the custard. Let soak for at least 20 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The edges should be slightly crisp while the inside remains creamy.
  8. Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best custard absorption; fresh bread can be lightly toasted first. Soften cream cheese well to avoid lumps. Let bread soak overnight for best texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Variations include adding berries, pumpkin puree, or using gluten-free bread. For dairy-free, substitute milk and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, creamy French toast, Christmas breakfast, holiday brunch, custard bake, easy breakfast, cinnamon vanilla French toast

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/easy-creamy-french-toast-bake-recipe-for-perfect-christmas-morning/