Spring Brunch French Toast Bake

Name: Spring Brunch French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Maple syrup, for serving

Highlighted under: Cakes & Confections

I absolutely love waking up to the scent of warm, cinnamon-infused bread in the spring! When the blossoms begin to bloom, I like to whip up this Spring Brunch French Toast Bake for my family. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crispy edges with a creamy center, making it the perfect centerpiece for any brunch gathering. The freshness of seasonal fruits adds a lovely burst of flavor, transforming a humble breakfast into a delightful indulgence. For a busy morning, this make-ahead recipe is a game changer!

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:29:36.710Z

One of my favorite memories is hosting a spring brunch, surrounded by blooming flowers and friends. I wanted to create something that would showcase the fresh fruits of the season while being simple enough to prepare. This French toast bake was born from that desire! The combination of brioche bread and a custard mixture allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Another great aspect of this recipe is that it can be made a day ahead, which takes the stress out of brunch day. I love serving it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for busy mornings
Delightfully crispy edges with a custardy center
Versatile with toppings – add berries, nuts, or whipped cream

Key Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right type of bread is crucial for this Spring Brunch French Toast Bake. Brioche offers a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture, which soaks up the custard beautifully. If you're looking for a slightly healthier alternative, consider challah or sourdough. These breads have unique flavors that can enhance the dish. Just ensure the bread is a day or two old; stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a more cohesive bake.

The custard mixture is where the magic happens. The combination of eggs, milk, and heavy cream creates a luscious, creamy texture that gives the dish its signature custardy center. Whole milk can be substituted with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that if you go this route, the texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

When preparing the bake, giving it a proper soak is essential. By refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, the bread has ample time to absorb the custard. This results in a rich texture throughout, preventing it from becoming dry. If you're short on time, a quick 30-minute soak will still yield good results, just keep an eye on the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes to set.

Preheating your oven to 350°F is a critical step to ensure even baking. As you prepare to bake, check that your custard is distributed evenly over the bread to avoid uneven cooking. Look for a golden-brown top and firm edges to determine doneness. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to finish baking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

For the French Toast Bake

1 loaf brioche bread, cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

For Topping (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, for serving

Make sure to prep everything for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your bake:

Prepare the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed brioche with the fresh berries. Place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Mix the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish.

Let It Soak

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Bake the Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Serve and Enjoy

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious Spring Brunch French Toast Bake!

Make sure to enjoy it fresh from the oven!

Pro Tips

To make this dish even more refreshing, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of nutmeg into the custard mixture for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This French Toast Bake shines when topped with seasonal fruits. I love using a medley of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sliced bananas or diced apples for added sweetness. Don’t be afraid to mix in some nuts like pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft custard.

For presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving elevates the dish visually and adds a touch of sweetness. Pair the bake with warm maple syrup or even a homemade caramel sauce for a decadent finish. A dollop of whipped cream can also provide a luxurious touch, making it more of an indulgent dessert.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead capability. You can assemble the French toast bake the night before and let it soak overnight. This not only saves time the next morning but also enhances the flavors as they have time to meld together. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven for an effortless brunch treat.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen, adding a little time to ensure it heats completely throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this French toast bake the night before?

Yes! It’s actually best to refrigerate overnight so the bread can soak up the custard.

→ What type of bread works best?

Brioche or challah bread holds up well and gives a nice texture. You can also use sourdough or a similar sturdy bread if you prefer.

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Yes, you can use frozen berries, but be aware that they may release more liquid during baking, making the dish a little more moist.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.