We’ve always adored the cozy comfort of French toast, that timeless breakfast staple with roots in French cuisine, and now we’re flipping it into something extraordinary with our French Toast Cake Recipes. Imagine transforming those eggy, cinnamon-kissed slices into a decadent cake that’s perfect for brunches or dessert.
This fusion brings classic flavors to life in a fresh way, blending the best of both worlds to create a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up. We’re excited to share how simple ingredients can lead to bakery-worthy results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For our French Toast Cake, we select high-quality ingredients that blend classic breakfast flavors into a moist, irresistible cake. These components, listed in the order we use them, ensure a simple yet decadent preparation that captures the warm, cinnamon-kissed aroma and soft, custardy texture everyone loves.
Batter Base Ingredients
- Eggs (4 large, beaten) – We start with fresh eggs to create a rich, creamy base that binds the cake together.
- Whole milk (1 cup) – Added next for its smooth consistency, helping to soak the bread and enhance the moist crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – We incorporate pure vanilla to infuse a sweet, aromatic depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup) – Mixed in to provide just the right sweetness, balancing the savory notes for a harmonious taste.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon) – We add this spice to deliver the signature warmth and subtle kick that defines French toast.
Cake Assembly Ingredients
- Thick-sliced bread (8 slices, preferably brioche or challah, cubed) – Used here to form the cake’s structure, ensuring it absorbs the batter for a tender bite.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, unsalted) – Melted and applied to grease the pan, adding a golden, buttery crust.
- Optional toppings (fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup to taste) – We finish with these for added freshness and visual appeal, making the cake even more versatile for brunch or dessert.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our French Toast Cake to life, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure precision and ease during preparation. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined—such as fresh eggs and brioche bread—these items help us achieve a moist, golden cake with minimal effort. Let’s break down the key tools we’ll need, organized by their role in the process.
Mixing and Measuring Essentials
We start with the basics for combining our ingredients accurately:
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are crucial for precise measurements of items like whole milk and granulated sugar, ensuring our batter turns out perfectly balanced and flavorful.
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon without spills, creating a smooth base for our French Toast Cake.
- Whisk or electric mixer: A sturdy whisk works wonders for beating the eggs to incorporate air, resulting in a light and airy texture, while an electric mixer speeds things up for larger batches.
Baking and Cooking Gear
Once our mixture is ready, these tools handle the baking process:
- 9×13-inch baking dish or cake pan: We recommend a non-stick version to evenly cook the brioche slices soaked in the egg mixture, promoting that signature golden crust.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F for optimal results, allowing the cake to bake uniformly and develop its warm, cinnamon-infused aroma.
- Spatula or silicone tongs: Perfect for flipping or arranging the bread in the pan, ensuring even coverage with melted butter for a delectable, crispy edge.
Serving and Finishing Tools
Finally, these items help us present our French Toast Cake with flair:
- Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess and preserving the moisture from the milk and eggs.
- Knife or serving spatula: Essential for slicing the finished cake neatly, making it easy to add optional toppings like fresh berries or maple syrup.
| Tool | Primary Use | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate measurement of ingredients | $5–15 |
| Large mixing bowl | Combining and whisking batter | $10–20 |
| Whisk or electric mixer | Beating eggs and mixing | $5–30 |
| Baking dish or cake pan | Baking the cake | $10–25 |
| Oven | Even baking | Varies (kitchen staple) |
| Spatula or tongs | Handling and flipping | $5–10 |
| Cooling rack | Even cooling | $5–15 |
| Knife or spatula | Slicing and serving | $5–10 |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create our irresistible French Toast Cake, ensuring a moist, flavorful result that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of eggs and milk.
Prepare the Batter
In this step, we mix the batter to form the heart of our French Toast Cake, blending eggs, milk, and spices for a creamy, aromatic base that infuses every bite with classic flavors.
- Crack the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack 4 large fresh eggs and add 1 cup of whole milk for moisture and richness.
- Add flavor enhancers: Whisk in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for aromatic depth and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar for balanced sweetness, followed by 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, inviting spice that evokes cozy mornings.
- Combine thoroughly: Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and slightly frothy—this creates a batter with a velvety texture that promises a tender, golden cake.
- Optional enhancement: If desired, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg for an extra layer of spice, enhancing the batter’s earthy aroma that will fill your kitchen as it bakes.
Assemble the Cake
With the batter ready, we now layer it with thick-sliced bread in the baking dish, building a cake that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, caramelized treat ready for the oven.
- Grease the pan: Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter to create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
- Arrange the bread: Place 8-10 slices of thick-sliced brioche or challah bread evenly in the dish, ensuring they overlap slightly for a sturdy structure that absorbs the batter without becoming soggy.
- Pour the batter: Evenly pour the prepared batter over the bread, allowing it to soak in for 5 minutes—this step ensures each slice is fully saturated, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful cinnamon scent.
- Add toppings: Optionally, sprinkle fresh berries or chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal, creating a colorful, irresistible finish that elevates the cake’s presentation.
Bake and Cool
Finally, we bake our assembled French Toast Cake to achieve a perfectly golden exterior and soft center, then cool it for easy serving that highlights its warm, sweet flavors.
- Preheat and bake: Place the dish in an oven preheated to 350°F and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean—the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will signal a cake that’s irresistibly fragrant and ready to enjoy.
- Monitor for doneness: Check the cake at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking; a properly baked cake should have a lightly crisp edge that gives way to a fluffy, tender inside, ensuring optimal texture.
- Cool on rack: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to set while the flavors meld—this step prevents sogginess and makes slicing easier for a polished presentation.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our French Toast Cake ahead of time can make breakfast or brunch a breeze. This method ensures the cake retains its moist texture and aromatic flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, allowing you to enjoy a freshly baked treat without the last-minute rush.
Assembling and Refrigerating the Cake
To make our French Toast Cake ahead, follow these steps after mixing the batter and layering the bread as detailed in the previous section:
- Prepare the assembly as usual: Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter, layer the thick-sliced brioche or challah bread, and pour the egg-milk mixture evenly over the top. If desired, add optional toppings like fresh berries for a burst of tartness.
- Cover and chill: Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the unbaked cake for up to 24 hours. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors, resulting in a more decadent and cohesive texture.
- Key tip for optimal results: If your refrigerator is crowded, place the dish on a flat surface to prevent shifting, ensuring even soaking.
Baking from the Fridge
When you’re ready to bake, we recommend these adjustments to account for the chilled ingredients:
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cake bake evenly and prevents a soggy center.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F as specified earlier.
- Bake the cake as per the original instructions, but add 5-10 minutes to the baking time (totaling 40-50 minutes) to ensure it’s fully set. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean with no raw batter.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
For longer make-ahead options, here’s how to store and reheat our French Toast Cake after baking:
- Cool and store promptly: After baking and cooling the cake on a rack for at least 10 minutes, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its golden crust and rich flavors.
- Reheating steps:
- For refrigeration: Remove from the fridge, uncover, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This revives the crisp edges and enhances the cinnamon warmth.
- For freezing: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above. Avoid microwaving to maintain the cake’s texture.
If you’re tracking preparation times or storage durations, refer to the table below for a quick overview:
| Preparation Stage | Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembled (unbaked) | Refrigerator | Up to 24 hours | Best for soaking flavors |
| Fully baked | Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Keep covered to avoid drying |
| Fully baked | Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly for freezer burn prevention |
By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure your French Toast Cake remains a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing these French Toast Cake recipes with you, blending classic flavors into something truly special. It’s a simple way to elevate your baking game and impress at any gathering.
Remember, experimenting with toppings lets you make it your own, creating memories around the table. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the results as much as we do—give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is French Toast Cake?
French Toast Cake is a creative twist on the classic breakfast dish, turning it into a moist, decadent cake perfect for brunch or dessert. It combines traditional French toast flavors like cinnamon and vanilla with simple ingredients for an easy, impressive result that delights guests.
What are the key ingredients for French Toast Cake?
The main ingredients include fresh eggs for a rich base, whole milk for moisture, vanilla extract for aroma, granulated sugar for sweetness, ground cinnamon for warmth, and thick-sliced brioche or challah bread for structure. Optional toppings like fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup add versatility.
What tools are needed to make French Toast Cake?
Essential tools include measuring cups, a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and an oven preheated to 350°F. A cooling rack and serving spatula are useful for presentation. Most items are affordable, with basic sets costing under $20-30.
How do I prepare French Toast Cake?
Start by mixing eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Soak bread slices in the batter, layer in a greased pan, and bake at 350°F until golden. Cool before serving to enhance texture and flavor. The process takes about 45-60 minutes total.
Can I make French Toast Cake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to let flavors meld. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This method ensures a moist texture with minimal effort on serving day.
How should I store and reheat French Toast Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to restore warmth and crispness.
What are some topping ideas for French Toast Cake?
Try fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, or nuts for added flavor and presentation. These options make the cake versatile for any occasion, enhancing its sweetness and texture without much extra effort.