Description
This Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast treat featuring rich caramel sauce, custardy soaked French bread, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. Prepared by assembling bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture layered over a homemade caramel base, then baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for a special brunch or holiday morning.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf French bread (cut into 1 1/2 inch slices)
- 4 extra large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and is smooth.
- Arrange caramel in baking dish: Pour the hot caramel mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish that you have sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer bread: Arrange the French bread slices evenly over the caramel layer in the baking dish.
- Mix custard and soak bread: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt together until fully combined. Slowly pour this mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs as much custard as possible.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add topping: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Then drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
- Bake casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, puffed up, and bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes after baking to set, then serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- For best results, use a sturdy loaf of French bread that can hold up to soaking without becoming too mushy.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the custard mixture for extra texture and flavor if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Make sure to spray the baking dish well or use parchment paper to avoid sticking due to the caramel sauce.
