Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it transforms your ordinary morning into a gourmet experience. This Orange Marmalade French Toast Bake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! Combining the zesty brightness of orange marmalade with the classic comfort of French toast, this dish is about to become your new weekend breakfast obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange marmalade, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Cut the bread loaf into roughly 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out for 10-15 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture, gently folding and turning to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let the bread soak for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer the soaked bread cubes to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly and ensuring no large gaps remain.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the custard to set.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden brown top and crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Optionally, serve with additional orange marmalade, maple syrup, or fresh berries on the side.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. The drier bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively, creating a richer, more custardy result.
- Soaking Time Matters: Allow the bread cubes to soak in the egg mixture for 5-7 minutes. This ensures each piece is thoroughly saturated with flavor.
- Even Distribution: When transferring to the baking dish, spread the bread cubes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps the custard set without over-browning the top.
- Serving Suggestions: Experiment with toppings like fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate this already spectacular dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
