Dump & Bake French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Dump & Bake French Toast Casserole is a simple and delicious breakfast treat featuring buttery brioche soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, this make-ahead casserole combines rich flavors and an easy cleanup, delivering comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- ¾ loaf brioche, cut into bite-sized cubes
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ cups half & half
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping and Garnish
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Bread: Cut the brioche loaf into bite-sized cubes and evenly spread them in a greased baking dish to form the base of your casserole.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed brioche in the dish. Gently press the bread cubes down to ensure they soak up the liquid thoroughly.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the soaked bread to add richness and help with baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the middle.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, dust the casserole with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. Drizzle maple syrup over each serving just before eating for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Use brioche or another rich, soft bread for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra flavor, let the casserole soak in the custard overnight in the fridge before baking.
- You can swap half & half and heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, though it may be less rich.
- Adjust sugar amount according to your desired sweetness.
- Fresh seasonal fruit works best for topping, adding natural sweetness and color.
- Ensure the casserole is fully set in the center before removing from the oven to avoid soggy texture.