BAKED CARAMEL FRENCH TOAST

Baked Caramel French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a leisurely weekend morning. With its rich caramel sauce, fluffy French toast, and a topping of fresh whipped cream and berries, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The caramel sauce adds a delightful sweetness that makes this dish feel like a treat.
• Versatile Toppings: Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients:

French Toast

• 1 loaf French bread
• 6-7 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Sauce

• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Topping

• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Fresh berries

Instructions

1. Prepare the French Toast

1. Butter the Dish: Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch squares and place them in the dish.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
4. Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread squares, gently stirring to ensure the bread is evenly coated.
5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.

2. Bake the French Toast

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Initial Bake: Cover the dish with tinfoil and bake for 20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup.
2. Heat the Sauce: Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble.

4. Finish Baking

1. Add Caramel Sauce: Pour the bubbling caramel sauce over the partially baked French toast.
2. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and caramelized.

5. Prepare the Topping

1. Whip the Cream: Using an electric beater, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken.
2. Sweeten the Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until light and fluffy.

6. Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes after baking.
2. Add Toppings: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.

Additional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Tips

• Bread Choice: Use a slightly stale French bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
• Caramel Sauce: Make sure the caramel sauce is bubbling before pouring it over the French toast for the best caramelization.
• Toppings: Experiment with different fruits or add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.

FAQ

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use any sturdy bread like brioche or challah for a richer texture.

Can I prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time?

It’s best to make the caramel sauce fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead for quicker assembly in the morning.

Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?

While refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and texture, you can soak the bread for at least 1 hour if you’re short on time.

Enjoy your Baked Caramel French Toast with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day!