Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of vanilla and cinnamon, with a perfectly golden French toast that's crispy on the outside and luxuriously creamy on the inside. This Baked Vanilla Almond French Toast isn't just a breakfast—it's a morning transformation that will turn even the most mundane day into a gourmet experience. Packed with rich brioche, a silky custard, and a delightful crunch of sliced almonds, this recipe is about to become your new weekend breakfast obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch thick slices. If the bread is very fresh, let the slices sit out for 10-15 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps them absorb the custard better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to fit the entire dish.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is evenly saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly across the top of the bread.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar if desired.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use slightly day-old brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread works, but letting it sit out for 10-15 minutes helps it absorb the custard more effectively.
- Custard Consistency: Whisk your egg mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth, even coating. The key is to create a silky custard that will soak into every bread slice.
- Soaking Time Matters: Allow the bread to sit in the custard for 10-15 minutes before baking. This ensures maximum flavor absorption and a custardy interior.
- Almond Placement: Sprinkle almonds just before baking to prevent them from getting too soggy and maintain their delightful crunch.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish initially helps steam the French toast, then removing the foil allows for perfect golden browning.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your dish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 160mg
