Brunch Toast
A warm and comforting brunch dish featuring torn French bread soaked in a cinnamony custard, dotted with raisins, perfect for weekend gatherings or a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Tear the French bread into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces with a little crust and place them in the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, sugar, and a dash of salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle raisins evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also add vanilla extract for extra depth. If you prefer, substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts. Ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the custard mixture. This dish is similar to Diane's Pound Cake in its comforting sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness. This brunch toast pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or yogurt on the side. You can also complement it with a light salad or a cup of coffee for a complete brunch experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in a microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for roughly 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brunch Toast contains roughly 364 calories, with 6g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1380mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
French bread is ideal for its texture, but you can also use challah or brioche for a richer flavor. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to absorb the custard well without becoming mushy.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other dried fruits like chopped apricots or fresh fruits like blueberries or bananas. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as too much fresh fruit can affect the custard consistency.
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).