Cinnamon-Vanilla Bread Pudding French Toast Bake

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Bread pudding and French toast have always been favorites when it comes to warm, comforting breakfasts. It’s only natural that combining them would create the ultimate sweet-and-savory morning treat. This luscious dish blends the custardy goodness of bread pudding with the golden crispness of French toast—perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.

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Ingredients

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  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into thick cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
  • Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for topping

Instructions

Start by greasing your baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and infuse a subtle richness into the bread pudding. Once you’ve cubed your bread, arrange it evenly in the dish, ensuring a fluffy, textured layer that will soak up the custard.

Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture slowly over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Lightly press down on the bread with the back of a spoon to help it absorb the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or even overnight if you want to save time in the morning.

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When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set. The bread pudding French toast should be moist but not runny. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the custard to fully settle.

Serve slices hot, drizzled with warm maple syrup or lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Top it all off with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra dash of festivity.

This Cinnamon-Vanilla Bread Pudding French Toast Bake is the perfect crowd-pleaser, offering something a bit more special than an everyday breakfast. It suits anyone craving a comforting meal but still feels indulgent and satisfying. If you’d like a lighter take, swap out the whole milk for a low-fat option, or try using almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version. However you choose to enjoy it, you’ll appreciate the cozy warmth of this dish any time of year.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.