If you’ve been searching for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat that’s both comforting and irresistibly sweet, this Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe is absolutely one to treasure. Imagine soft, custardy bread infused with rich caramel flavors, the warm spices bringing everything together in a luscious, golden casserole that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that combines simple ingredients to create magic, promising sweet mornings filled with joy and fantastic aromas wafting from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe are straightforward pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous caramelized color.
- Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, firmly packed): Provides the deep, rich sweetness essential for the caramel base.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup melted): Adds creaminess and helps develop the luscious caramel sauce and a golden topping.
- Light corn syrup (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Keeps the caramel smooth and sticky without crystallizing.
- French bread (1 loaf, cut into 1 1/2 inch slices): The sturdy, crusty bread soaks up custard perfectly, ensuring each bite is tender but not mushy.
- Extra-large eggs (4): Bind everything together and create the custard base that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Milk (2 1/2 cups): Adds richness and helps create that silky custard consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings warm, aromatic depth to the custard mixture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Combined with cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds that classic, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with caramel and vanilla.
How to Make Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Make the Caramel Base
Start by stirring together the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This is where that distinctive caramel flavor develops, so keep stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens. This luscious caramel will become the foundation of your casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Once your caramel sauce is ready, pour it into a 9×13 baking dish that’s been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. This sticky, sweet layer is going to coat the bottom and infuse the bread with its rich flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Arrange the Bread
Next, carefully layer the French bread slices over the warm caramel sauce. The sturdy loaf holds its shape beautifully, soaking up flavors without falling apart, setting the stage for that tender, custardy texture.
Step 4: Mix the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. This custard mixture is the heart of our Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe, tenderly binding the bread and flavors together. Slowly pour it evenly over the bread slices, then gently press down on the bread to ensure it soaks up as much custard as possible, making each bite decadent.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in an irresistibly creamy and flavorful casserole in the morning.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this over the soaked bread evenly. Drizzle the melted butter carefully on top to help create that golden crust everyone loves.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden brown color; the casserole should puff up and bubble at the edges, signaling it’s ready to be taken out and enjoyed.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to stand for about 10 minutes. This brief wait lets everything settle so when you cut into it, each piece holds its shape perfectly while remaining soft and luscious.
How to Serve Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe, consider garnishing with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can add delightful texture and flavor contrasts that bring out the best in this dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides like crisp bacon or sausage for a savory counterbalance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad can freshen up the plate, making your breakfast or brunch both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole straight from individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or layer it with whipped cream and fruit in a glass trifle dish for a show-stopping presentation. Whether shared family-style or plated with precision, the caramel French toast shines brightest when served with love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that sweet comfort long after the initial bake.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Your casserole will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the casserole’s texture and keeps the caramel top nicely crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread in the Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute French bread with brioche or challah for an even richer texture. Avoid breads that are too soft or thin, as they might become mushy after soaking in the custard.
Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
While you can bake it immediately, refrigerating overnight improves custard absorption and flavor melding, resulting in a creamier, more cohesive casserole.
Is it possible to make the caramel topping less sweet?
You can reduce the brown sugar slightly or use less corn syrup, but be cautious as this may affect the caramel’s smooth texture and depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe for a large group?
Absolutely! The recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger casserole dish. Just extend the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the golden color and bubbling edges.
What’s the best way to serve this casserole with toppings?
Warm it slightly before adding toppings like fresh fruit, nut butters, or syrups so the flavors blend perfectly, creating that wow factor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe is a brilliant crowd-pleaser, perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or any day you want to treat yourself. Its combination of rich caramel, custardy bread, and warm spices transforms simple ingredients into a dish packed with love and flavor. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why this casserole becomes a beloved classic on any table!
Print
Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of tender French bread soaked in a rich egg mixture and topped with a homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings, this casserole combines the sweetness of brown sugar and light corn syrup with fragrant cinnamon and vanilla, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 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 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 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 or until the mixture bubbles, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Layer Caramel in Dish: Pour the hot caramel mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange Bread Slices: Place the sliced French bread over the caramel layer in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the bread slices, making sure to saturate them well. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard and caramel flavors.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread, then drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, puffed up, and bubbly on the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread to help the slices absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and texture by allowing the bread to soak thoroughly.
- You can use half-and-half or cream instead of milk for a richer custard.
- Serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Make sure to press the bread gently after pouring the egg mixture to ensure even soaking.
