Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel

Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel: A Morning Delight

There’s something undeniably magical about the wafting aroma of freshly baked French toast that can transport anyone back to cozy mornings spent with family and friends. Growing up, weekends were a tapestry of laughter and love woven around our breakfast table, where the highlight was invariably my mom’s special French toast. She would skillfully prepare a batch using our favorite challah bread, and as it baked, we would eagerly set the table, the sweet scent promising a delightful feast. Today, I’m thrilled to share my version of that cherished recipe—Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel. This dish transcends the ordinary breakfast experience; it’s a celebration, perfect for lazy Sundays or special occasions.

The allure of baked French toast lies not only in its rich, buttery flavor but also in the crunchy streusel topping that offers a delightful contrast in texture. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice that is both soft and custardy on the inside, while the top is adorned with a golden, crumbly layer that adds a satisfying crunch. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect solution for busy mornings or even brunch gatherings where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe and set the stage for a memorable breakfast experience.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

To create this delectable baked French toast, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that come together to form a harmonious blend of flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need:

For the French Toast:

– 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (about 10-12 slices): This is the star of the dish. Challah and brioche breads are known for their soft texture and slight sweetness, making them perfect for soaking up the custard mixture that gives French toast its signature richness.

– 6 large eggs: Eggs are essential in creating that custard-like texture that makes each bite rich and satisfying. They bind the ingredients together, ensuring a cohesive dish.

– 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds creaminess to the custard and enhances the overall flavor profile. It’s this richness that elevates standard French toast into something truly special.

– 1 cup heavy cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, heavy cream brings a luxurious, buttery flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This ingredient balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the bread and custard, making every bite delightful.

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must-have for this recipe, vanilla extract infuses the dish with a warm, inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen and entice anyone nearby.

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds depth and a comforting flavor that elevates the entire dish, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.

– 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt is a crucial element in any sweet dish as it enhances all the other flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste.

– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the pan): This not only ensures easy release from the baking dish but also adds a touch of richness and flavor.

For the Streusel Topping:

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your streusel, all-purpose flour provides the structure needed to create those delightful crumbly bits that top the French toast.

– 1/2 cup rolled oats: Adding a hearty texture and nutty flavor, rolled oats contribute to the overall crunch of the streusel, making each bite a delightful contrast to the soft custardy bread beneath.

Getting Started: The Initial Steps

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s move on to the initial steps of preparing this Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel. The process is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the journey of creating this delicious dish without any stress.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your French toast will bake evenly and develop that golden-brown crust we all love.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a large baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works perfectly) and grease it with the melted unsalted butter. This step is crucial as it prevents the French toast from sticking to the dish and allows for easy serving once it’s baked.

3. Assemble the Bread: Arrange the sliced challah or brioche bread in the greased baking dish. You can lay the slices flat or stand them upright; either way, make sure they are snugly packed together. This arrangement helps the custard soak into every piece, ensuring a uniform texture throughout.

4. Make the Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This mixture is the heart of your French toast, infusing it with rich flavor and creating that sought-after custard texture.

5. Pour the Custard Over the Bread: Once your custard mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the arranged bread slices in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to ensure that each piece is saturated with the custard. This step is essential for achieving that moist, custardy interior.

6. Let It Soak: If time allows, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This soaking period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.

Now that you’ve set the stage for your Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel, you’re well on your way to creating a breakfast masterpiece. With its rich flavors and appealing textures, this dish promises to be a hit whether you’re serving it on a lazy Sunday morning or a festive brunch gathering. As we move forward, we’ll delve into the creation of the streusel topping and the final baking process to complete this delightful recipe. Stay tuned for the next steps that will bring this delicious dish to life!

Preparation Steps: Crafting Your Breakfast Masterpiece

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the preparation steps that will lead to a beautiful baked French toast that is sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, as starting with a properly heated oven ensures even cooking and browning. While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. This step not only prevents the French toast from sticking but also contributes to that golden-brown crust we all love.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until well combined:

– 4 large eggs

– 2 cups milk

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

This custard is the key to achieving a rich, creamy texture that will soak into your bread. Make sure to mix thoroughly, so every ingredient is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Layer the Bread

Next, arrange half of the bread slices in your prepared baking dish, ensuring they overlap slightly. This overlapping helps the custard soak into the bread more effectively. Once the first layer is in place, pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, encouraging them to soak in all that delicious custard.

Repeat this layering process with the remaining bread and the rest of the egg mixture. This method guarantees that each slice of bread is infused with the creamy custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful final dish.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Now, let’s make the streusel topping! In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Add the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel will create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy French toast.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture. This layer of streusel will caramelize and add a lovely texture as it bakes. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

After that initial baking period, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the French toast to cool slightly before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier. Serve warm, drizzling generously with maple syrup for that classic sweetness. For an elegant touch, add a dusting of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks: Perfecting Your Baked French Toast

To ensure your baked French toast turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

Choose the Right Bread

Selecting the right type of bread is crucial for the best French toast. Opt for slightly stale or day-old bread, as it will absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. Challah, brioche, or French bread are excellent choices known for their rich flavors and textures.

Customize Your Flavor

Feel free to experiment with flavors! Adding a splash of orange or almond extract can elevate the taste, while mixing in chocolate chips or nuts can add even more texture and flavor.

Overnight Preparation

For a convenient breakfast option, consider preparing the French toast the night before. Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow it to come to room temperature while preheating the oven, then bake as directed. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Monitor Baking Time

Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your French toast while it bakes. If you find that the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the custard finishes cooking.

Let It Rest

Allow the French toast to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting period not only helps set the custard but also enhances the flavors as they settle.

Serving Suggestions

While serving your Golden Buttery Baked French Toast, consider these delightful accompaniments to elevate your breakfast experience:

– Maple Syrup: A classic pairing that enhances the sweetness of the dish.

– Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch and a burst of color.

– Powdered Sugar: A light dusting on top creates an elegant presentation.

– Whipped Cream: For an indulgent twist, serve with freshly whipped cream on the side.

– Nut Butter: A dollop of almond or peanut butter can add a delightful nutty flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion

Golden Buttery Baked French Toast with Streusel is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting, indulgent experience that brings warmth and joy to your mornings. With its rich custard, crispy streusel topping, and sweet maple syrup, this recipe is bound to impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, this French toast recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings for a personalized touch. Enjoy every bite of this breakfast masterpiece, and be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!