Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake – Sweet, Creamy, and Perfectly Baked

Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a rich and comforting breakfast or brunch dish that combines custardy baked bread with the sweet, aromatic flavor of real vanilla beans. With a golden-brown top and soft, flavorful interior, it’s perfect for holiday mornings, weekend treats, or any time you crave a warm, indulgent start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Custardy & Soft – Bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Vanilla-Scented – Real vanilla beans add depth and sweetness to every bite.
Easy to Prepare – Minimal prep and bakes while you enjoy your morning.
Serves a Crowd – Perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place cubed bread evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Combine and Soak
   Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to ensure all pieces are soaked. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
4. Bake the French Toast
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and custardy inside.
5. Serve
   Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~350
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Sturdy, Slightly Stale Bread – Helps the custard soak without turning mushy.
• Scrape Vanilla Seeds – Real seeds give the richest flavor, but extract works as a substitute.
• Allow Time to Soak – Letting the bread absorb the custard ensures a custardy interior.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of custard-soaked bread and aromatic vanilla creates a soft, rich, and flavorful French toast bake. Baking allows the custard to set perfectly while keeping the top golden and slightly crisp, delivering a classic breakfast indulgence in every bite.

Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a simple yet luxurious breakfast or brunch dish. With a custardy texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and golden-brown finish, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy morning treat.