Print

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche French Toast Bake

Chocolate Chip Vanilla Custard Brioche French Toast Bake - featured image
Print Recipe

Golden, buttery brioche soaked in creamy vanilla custard and studded with melty chocolate chips—this make-ahead French toast bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for busy mornings or special brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing pan)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Optional: 1 cup fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Cube brioche into 1-inch pieces. If bread is very fresh, toast cubes on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until barely crisp. Let cool.
  2. Melt butter and brush over a 9×13-inch baking dish to grease.
  3. Scatter half the brioche cubes in the dish. Sprinkle half the chocolate chips over the bread. Add remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the chocolate chips.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  5. Slowly pour custard mixture evenly over bread and chocolate in the dish. Press down gently so all bread is soaked.
  6. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove dish from fridge while oven heats.
  8. Uncover and bake for 40-45 minutes, until top is golden, edges are set, and center is puffed. If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
  9. Let bake cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries if desired. Serve warm, cut into squares.

Notes

For best texture, use day-old or toasted brioche. Overnight soaking yields superior flavor and structure. You can substitute challah or sturdy white bread, and use dairy-free alternatives for milk, cream, and chocolate chips. Add-ins like berries, nuts, or spices are welcome. Let bake cool slightly before slicing for clean portions. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, brioche, chocolate chip, vanilla custard, breakfast casserole, make ahead, brunch, easy breakfast, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/chocolate-chip-vanilla-custard-brioche-french-toast-bake-easy-make-ahead-breakfast/