Baked Orange French Toast
A delightful baked French toast infused with orange flavor, topped with cinnamon and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange bread slices in a single layer in the dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated skim milk, eggs, orange juice concentrate, vanilla, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and turn to coat.
- Let stand for 30 minutes to soak.
- Turn the bread slices again to ensure they are soaked with the egg mixture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the bread.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake the bread for 10 minutes.
- Turn the slices over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve with your favorite syrup, jelly, or honey.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk for evaporated skim milk. If you want a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar to the egg mixture or serve with maple syrup. You can also replace orange juice concentrate with lemon or grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist. Ensure the bread is stale for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked orange French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of your favorite syrup. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or yogurt on the side. For a complete brunch experience, consider serving it alongside Asparagus-Cauliflower Au Gratin to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Orange French Toast contains roughly 332 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this French toast the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and egg mixture the night before. Simply layer the bread in the baking dish, pour the egg mixture over it, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Italian or French bread is ideal due to its dense texture, which holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture. You can also use brioche or challah for a richer taste, but avoid using soft sandwich bread as it may become too soggy.
Can I freeze the baked French toast?
Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).