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Perfect Ultimate Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe for Easy Mothers Day Brunch

brioche french toast casserole - featured image

A rich and comforting brioche French toast casserole soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked to golden perfection with a crispy top and soft, custardy inside. Perfect for Mother’s Day brunch or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound brioche loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
  • Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
  • Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Cut about 1 pound (450 g) of brioche into 1-inch cubes. If very fresh, lightly toast cubes for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to help hold up in custard.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon orange zest until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth and frothy (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Place brioche cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing gently with a spatula to soak all pieces. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow brioche to absorb custard.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and drizzle 2 tablespoons melted butter over top. Optionally sprinkle chopped nuts or brown sugar for extra crunch.
  6. Bake casserole for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top and custard is set but slightly jiggly in center. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or lightly toast fresh brioche cubes to prevent sogginess. Soaking overnight is best for custard absorption but at least 4 hours is required. Watch oven temperature to avoid over-browning; tent with foil if needed. Variations include gluten-free bread, vegan substitutions with plant milk and flax eggs, and adding fruits or nuts for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: brioche, French toast casserole, Mother's Day brunch, easy brunch recipe, cinnamon vanilla custard, baked French toast