Gingerbread French Toast Bake is a festive twist on the classic breakfast casserole, packed with warm spices and rich molasses flavor. Perfect for the holiday season, this cozy dish combines cubes of hearty bread soaked in a spiced custard made with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—mimicking the flavors of traditional gingerbread. Baked until golden and drizzled with maple syrup or a powdered sugar glaze, it’s ideal for Christmas morning, holiday brunches, or a cozy winter weekend. Best of all, it can be assembled the night before, making your mornings easy and your kitchen smell like the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (about 14–16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar glaze (½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp milk)
- Warm maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Step 1:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cut the loaf of bread into cubes and spread evenly in the baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3:
Pour the spiced custard evenly over the cubed bread in the dish. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats.
Step 5:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Step 6:
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with glaze or syrup, and top with whipped cream or nuts if desired.
Variation
- Add ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips to the bread cubes for extra texture and sweetness.
- Use eggnog in place of cream and milk for an even more festive flavor.
- Add a streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, butter, and oats before baking.
- Swap molasses for maple syrup for a milder gingerbread flavor.
- Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the middle for a creamy twist.
Cooking Note
The type of bread you use will affect the texture. Brioche and challah create a rich and tender casserole, while French bread adds structure and chew. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F to prevent sogginess. Letting the casserole sit after baking allows the custard to firm up and makes it easier to slice cleanly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gingerbread French Toast Bake warm from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. Pair it with a side of sausage or bacon for savory contrast, or fresh berries for brightness. It also goes well with hot coffee, chai tea, or a holiday drink like hot cocoa or mulled cider. For a brunch spread, serve alongside egg casseroles, fruit salad, and mimosas.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread so it absorbs more custard.
- Slice and cube bread before bedtime to save prep time in the morning.
- Make the glaze just before serving so it stays pourable.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 per serving
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 280mg
FAQs
Can I make this without molasses?
- Molasses gives gingerbread its distinct flavor. If needed, substitute with dark brown sugar and a bit of maple syrup or omit and use more brown sugar, though flavor will be milder.
Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes. Use a gluten-free loaf of bread and ensure your molasses and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I bake this right away instead of refrigerating?
- You can, but for best results, let it soak at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
- Yes. Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk will work. Just ensure your non-dairy alternatives aren’t too watery for best texture.
Does this freeze well?
- Yes. You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without toppings) or freeze baked leftovers in portions. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Gingerbread French Toast Bake is the perfect way to bring the warmth and spice of holiday baking to your breakfast table. With layers of tender bread soaked in a richly spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, it’s a dish that captures the essence of the season. Whether you’re serving it on Christmas morning, at a brunch gathering, or simply as a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare ahead, feeds a crowd, and offers endless variations to suit your style. Add it to your holiday traditions and make every bite feel like a warm holiday hug.