Ingredients
French Toast Bake
- 15 oz croissant or brioche bread loaf, chopped into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange zest
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 ½ tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Chop the croissant or brioche bread into cubes and place them evenly in a 9×9 or 11×7 inch baking dish to form the base of the bake.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, freshly squeezed orange zest, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are well moistened. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator and let it soak for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Preheat Oven: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the glaze and ready for baking.
- Bake French Toast: Uncover the dish and bake the French toast bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Make Orange Glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, heavy cream, freshly grated orange zest, and vanilla bean paste in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle generously with the orange glaze and, if desired, sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the top before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use day-old or slightly stale croissant or brioche to better absorb the custard.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast hosting.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter custard if desired.
- Garnish with fresh orange slices or a dusting of cinnamon for added presentation.
- The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; stir well before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American