Description
This Caramel-Bottom French Toast Bake is a decadent breakfast casserole featuring thick slices of French bread soaked overnight in a rich custard, layered over a buttery caramel base. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it's baked to golden perfection with a cinnamon-sugar topping and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Caramel Base
- 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
French Toast Bake
- 1 large loaf French bread, sliced into 1 ½-inch thick slices
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Base: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar and 1 cup butter. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is melted and bubbly. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then remove from heat.
- Arrange the Bread: Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to cover the bottom. Place the sliced French bread in a single layer over the caramel.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the custard fully. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 5 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add Topping: Drizzle ¼ cup melted butter over the soaked bread. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the French toast casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious caramel-bottom French toast bake!
Notes
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to ensure it absorbs the custard fully for a creamy texture.
- Use a sturdy French bread loaf; stale bread works well for soaking.
- You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer dish.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar topping to your taste.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
