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Oven Baked Caramel French Toast Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Arrange Bread Slices: Place the sliced French bread over the caramel layer in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.