Description
This Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole is a rich and indulgent breakfast dish perfect for holidays or special occasions. Layers of thick sliced French bread are soaked overnight in a creamy custard mixture, then baked atop a homemade caramel sauce for a golden, bubbly, and flavorful morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp light corn syrup
Casserole
- 1 loaf French bread (cut into 1 1/2 inch slices)
- 4 extra large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Make Caramel Sauce: Stir together the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to bubble, stirring constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread: Layer the 1 1/2 inch slices of French bread over the caramel sauce in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Make Custard Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until fully combined. Slowly pour this custard over the bread slices, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs as much liquid as possible.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Then drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the casserole is golden brown, puffed, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
- Using a sturdy French bread is essential to hold up the custard soaking without falling apart.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- Serve with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for a complete breakfast experience.
- Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate; they can be reheated in the oven.
