Gingerbread French Toast Bake is a cozy and delicious dish that brings the warmth of the holiday season right to your breakfast table. With rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, this bake is perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekend brunch. It’s easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy mornings.
Why make this recipe
You should make Gingerbread French Toast Bake because it’s not only tasty but also incredibly simple. It combines the classic flavors of gingerbread with the comforting texture of French toast. Perfect for holiday gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings, this dish can serve a crowd and can be topped with your favorite extras. Plus, who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of warm spices wafting through the house?
How to prepare Gingerbread French Toast Bake
Preparing Gingerbread French Toast Bake is straightforward and hassle-free. With just a few steps, you can create a dish that will impress everyone at the breakfast table. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf day-old brioche or French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or eggnog
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, chopped pecans
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the cubed bread to the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or eggnog, molasses, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, and salt until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently so that all pieces soak up the liquid.
- Let it sit for about 15–30 minutes or cover it and refrigerate overnight if you want to prepare it in advance.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings as desired.
How to serve Gingerbread French Toast Bake
Serve the Gingerbread French Toast Bake warm, topped with whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped pecans for a delicious finish. It pairs well with fresh fruit or a hot cup of coffee, making it a lovely way to start the day.
How to store Gingerbread French Toast Bake
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them back into the oven for a few minutes to warm through.
Tips to make Gingerbread French Toast Bake perfectly
- Use day-old bread: If you use fresh bread, it may become too soggy. Day-old bread holds up better in the mixture.
- Soak longer: For best results, let the dish soak overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Add more ginger for a spicier kick or use pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.
Variations
You can easily customize your Gingerbread French Toast Bake. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweeter version or mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. Nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch, and you can substitute the molasses with honey or agave for different flavor profiles.
FAQ
1. Can I use any type of bread?
Yes, while brioche or French bread is ideal, you can use any sturdy bread you have on hand.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked dish. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
Enjoy making and sharing your Gingerbread French Toast Bake—you’re sure to delight everyone with this festive treat!
Gingerbread French Toast Bake
A cozy and delicious dish combining the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, perfect for special occasions or a comforting brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old brioche or French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or eggnog
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the cubed bread to the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or eggnog, molasses, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, and salt until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently so that all pieces soak up the liquid.
- Let it sit for about 15–30 minutes or cover it and refrigerate overnight if you want to prepare it in advance.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings as desired.
Notes
For best results, soak the dish overnight and use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Customize spices for your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Gingerbread, French Toast, Breakfast, Holiday, Brunch, Bake