Description
Caramel-soaked french toast brings luxurious morning comfort straight from French culinary traditions. Home cooks can quickly prepare this indulgent breakfast dish with simple ingredients and minimal morning preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
Custard Mixture:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Create a luscious caramel foundation by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Transfer the golden caramel mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even coating across the bottom surface.
- Carefully layer French bread slices atop the caramel base, allowing slight overlapping to maximize coverage.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over bread slices, guaranteeing complete and uniform saturation.
- Seal the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate overnight to allow bread maximum absorption of rich custard flavors.
- Remove dish from refrigerator 20 minutes before baking, allowing it to approach room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the French toast rises dramatically and achieves a deep golden-brown color.
- Allow the dish to rest for several minutes before serving to let the caramel settle and flavors meld.
Notes
- Customize Caramel Thickness by adjusting the amount of butter and brown sugar to create a lighter or richer base according to personal preference.
- Bread Selection matters significantly – use day-old challah or brioche for better absorption and a more luxurious texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Lactose-Free Adaptation can be achieved by substituting half-and-half with almond milk or coconut milk, maintaining the creamy consistency while accommodating dietary restrictions.
- Reduce Sugar Content by using less corn syrup or replacing it with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness profile that’s lighter and less intense.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg