Caramel Bottom French Toast Bake: A Decadent Brunch Treat
Some mornings call for something a little more special than a simple slice of toast. This recipe for Caramel Bottom French Toast Bake is the perfect solution. It takes a classic French toast and transforms it into a decadent, one-pan casserole that is filled with a rich caramel sauce, soft brioche bread, and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced egg custard. Baked to a beautiful golden-brown, this is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for a special weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that a great breakfast can make your day, and this French toast bake does exactly that. What I love most is its “set it and forget it” nature. Instead of standing over a skillet flipping individual slices of French toast, you simply assemble everything in one baking dish and let the oven do the work. The caramel bottom is a game-changer. As it bakes, the caramel sauce bubbles up and creates a sweet, sticky coating on the bottom of the bread that is absolutely irresistible. The result is a perfect combination of a crispy top and a soft, custard-like interior. It’s a fantastic recipe for a gathering, as it can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Bread: Brioche bread is the perfect choice for this recipe due to its soft, rich, and buttery flavor. You can also use other sturdy breads, such as challah or even a day-old French bread. The key is to use a bread that is slightly stale, as it will absorb the egg custard better without becoming soggy.
- Caramel Sauce: A good quality store-bought caramel sauce is a great shortcut. If you have a little extra time, a homemade caramel sauce will take this dish to the next level. You can also use a butterscotch sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand, such as whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Whole milk or heavy cream will create a richer, more custard-like interior.
- Nuts: The chopped pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the top of the bake. You can also use walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
- Spices: The cinnamon and vanilla are classic flavors for French toast. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a little extra warmth.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cube the Bread: Slice the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the bread cubes. Make sure every piece of bread gets some of that delicious sauce.
- Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the cubes are coated. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down to ensure it absorbs the custard.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the bread if you’re using them. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30−35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm.
Tips for Success
- Use Stale Bread: Using a slightly stale bread is a key step for this recipe. It absorbs the egg custard better without becoming soggy. You can achieve this by leaving the bread out on the counter overnight.
- Don’t Over-Bake: The bake is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. Over-baking will make the bread dry.
- Layer the Caramel: Make sure you drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the bread. This will ensure that every bite has some of that delicious caramel flavor.
- Make it Ahead: For a convenient morning, you can assemble the entire dish the night before. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This French toast bake is a decadent breakfast on its own. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or maple syrup.
For a drink pairing, a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk would be a perfect complement. A Mimosa would also be a lovely addition for a celebratory brunch.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a sweet, indulgent breakfast treat. The calories, carbohydrates, and fats come from the brioche bread, eggs, milk, and caramel sauce. While it is a decadent meal, it’s a wonderfully satisfying dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or a fun family brunch.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this French toast bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, you can place it in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back some of that crispy top.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Bottom French Toast Bake recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a soft, custard-like interior and a sweet, sticky caramel bottom is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious treat as much as I do!
Caramel Bottom French Toast Bake: An Easy and Decadent Brunch
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for the bottom)
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add the brioche bread cubes to the egg mixture and gently fold until the bread is soaked in the mixture.
- Pour the bread mixture over the caramel sauce in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
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