Spring Brunch French Toast Bake

Name: Spring Brunch French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup fresh blueberries; Powdered sugar; Maple syrup

Highlighted under: Seasonal Celebrations

I absolutely love hosting spring brunches, and this French Toast Bake has quickly become my go-to recipe. It’s a delightful way to bring together the flavors of fresh fruit and creamy custard, all baked to golden perfection. The best part? It can be prepared the night before, allowing me to enjoy the company of my guests rather than slaving away in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this easy and delicious dish at your next gathering!

Created by

Brittany Shaw

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:29:36.699Z

During one of my recent spring brunches, I decided to try a twist on traditional French toast. I layered challah bread with a mixture of eggs, cream, and maple syrup, letting it soak overnight. The next morning, I baked it to a beautiful golden brown. The result was a fluffy, flavorful dish that my guests devoured. I realized that letting the bread sit overnight made a noticeable difference in texture.

This bake also offers flexibility; I experimented with seasonal fruits like strawberries and blueberries, which added a lovely touch of freshness. If you want to make it even more indulgent, a drizzle of warm maple syrup on top before serving is a must!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly fluffy texture infused with sweet maple flavor
Versatile for seasonal fruits, making it ideal for spring
Easily made ahead for stress-free entertaining

Choosing the Right Bread

The key to achieving a perfectly fluffy texture in your French Toast Bake lies in the type of bread you choose. Challah bread is ideal due to its slightly sweet flavor and soft, rich crumb. It absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming mushy. If you can't find challah, brioche or sourdough are excellent alternatives. Just make sure the bread is a day or two old, as this helps it hold up better when soaked in the custard mixture.

When cutting the bread into cubes, aim for uniform pieces, about 1-inch in size. This ensures even soaking and baking. If you are using fresh bread, consider toasting the cubes in the oven for a few minutes first to dry them out slightly. This will prevent them from becoming overly soggy and help achieve that comforting layer of golden-crispiness on top during baking.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability to seasonal fruits. While strawberries and blueberries are delightful, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits as well. Ripe peaches, blackberries, or even diced apples can be delicious alternatives. In the fall, consider incorporating cinnamon-spiced apples or pears for a warm, cozy twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the chosen fruits.

For a little extra flavor, you can also infuse the custard with citrus zest like lemon or orange. Simply add one tablespoon of zest to the mixture for a refreshing brightness that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fruits. Another delightful option is to add a few tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the custard for an adult-friendly brunch treat.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Spring Brunch French Toast Bake!

For the French Toast Bake

1 loaf of challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup fresh blueberries

For Serving

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Spring Brunch French Toast Bake!

Prepare the Bread

In a large bowl, combine the cubed challah bread with the sliced strawberries and blueberries. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Soak

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and fruit, making sure every piece is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve

Let it cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup.

Enjoy your delicious Spring Brunch French Toast Bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, add a dash of nutmeg to the custard mixture. You can also swap different fruits based on what’s in season or your personal preference.

Make-Ahead Tips

This French Toast Bake is an ideal make-ahead dish, allowing you to prepare it the night before your brunch. After combining the bread and fruit with the custard, store it covered in the refrigerator. This extended soaking time enhances the flavors and ensures that every piece absorbs that delicious custard. If you have time, try taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. This can help the custard set more evenly during baking.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or pop pieces into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, this bake freezes beautifully. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French Toast Bake turns out too soggy, it could be due to either using overly fresh bread or soaking it for too long. Always use bread that’s a day or two old, and ensure you follow the soaking time as stated in the recipe. A good visual cue is to check that the custard has been absorbed into the bread without excess liquid pooling at the bottom of the dish before baking.

On the other hand, if the bake comes out dry, consider adjusting the custard ingredients to include a little more milk or cream. You can also cover it with foil during the first half of baking to prevent it from browning too quickly while the custard sets. After about 25 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up nicely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the challah with gluten-free bread or a gluten-free bread of your choice.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover French Toast Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just cover it tightly and bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I serve with it?

This bake pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.