Overnight Gingerbread French Toast

$- 8 slices of brioche or challah bread - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or almond) - 1/2 cup molasses - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Maple syrup for serving - Powdered sugar for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a warm, cozy dish. Brioche or challah bread gives a soft base, while the spices add warmth. The molasses deepens the flavor, making it festive. Eggs and milk bind everything, forming a custard. Chopped pecans bring crunch and flavor. You can skip them if you want. Maple syrup adds sweetness, and powdered sugar makes it pretty. Each bite is a mix of soft bread and rich spices. Make sure to gather everything before starting. This helps the process feel smooth. You’ll enjoy the fun of making this dish with ease. Plus, the lovely smell fills your kitchen! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large bowl. Add 4 large eggs and 2 cups of milk. You can use whole or almond milk. Whisk these together until smooth. Next, stir in 1/2 cup of molasses. This adds a deep, rich flavor. Then, add the spices: 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything well. You want a well-combined custard mixture. Now, grab your baking dish, a 9x13 inch one works best. Grease it lightly. Take 8 slices of brioche or challah bread. Lay them in a single layer in the dish. If you like nuts, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the bread. This adds great crunch and flavor. Next, pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread. Make sure each slice is coated. Press down gently. This helps the bread soak up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight. This is key for the best flavor. The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrap and bake the French toast for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden top and a puffed texture. It should smell amazing! When making Overnight Gingerbread French Toast, choose the right bread. Brioche is rich and buttery. It gives a soft texture. Challah is a bit sweeter with a nice crust. Both options work well. For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty choices. Check the label for texture and flavor. You want something that holds up well in custard. The custard flavor is key to your dish. You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less molasses. If you want a spicier taste, add extra ginger or cinnamon. To maximize flavor, let the mixture sit for a bit before using it. This helps the spices blend well. Make sure to whisk everything together until smooth. When serving, think about toppings. Maple syrup is a classic choice. You can also add fresh fruit, like berries or bananas. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch too. For drinks, consider hot cocoa or a warm spiced apple cider. They pair perfectly with the gingerbread flavor. Enjoy your festive meal! Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old. This helps it absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Add Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of cardamom or allspice can add a unique twist to your French toast flavor. Let It Soak: Allow the bread to soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This ensures a rich, custardy inside and a perfectly baked exterior. Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the French toast warm right out of the oven, topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of Overnight Gingerbread French Toast easily. Adding chocolate chips or fresh fruit like berries makes it fun and sweet. You can also mix in different spices. Try cardamom for a warm taste, or swap cinnamon for allspice. Each choice gives a new twist to this classic dish. If you want a nut-free version, pick the right bread. Look for nut-free brioche or challah. When using milk, choose almond or oat milk if you like. For pecans, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. These options keep the crunch without nuts. For a plant-based meal, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of either with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. You can sweeten it with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the flavor rich. To store leftover Overnight Gingerbread French Toast, place it in a sealed container. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the toast fresh and prevents it from drying out. The French toast lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the toast warm and soft. You can also reheat slices in the microwave. Just heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, this might make them a bit chewy. If you want to freeze your French toast, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Put the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps to keep them fresh. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. To thaw, take the slices out and place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them fast, you can also thaw them in the microwave. Just use the defrost setting for a few minutes until soft. You can make this dish gluten-free by choosing gluten-free bread. Look for gluten-free brioche or challah options. Many stores offer these types of bread now. You can also use gluten-free sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same. You won’t lose flavor, and your French toast will still taste great. Yes, you can. If you don’t have molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup. Both add sweetness and a nice flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water for a similar taste. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. The French toast will still be delicious without molasses. Yes, you can double this recipe easily. Use a larger baking dish to fit all the bread. Just make sure to mix the custard well so all the bread gets soaked. You may need to bake it a little longer. Check for doneness by making sure the top is golden. Enjoy serving more people with this festive dish! This blog covered how to make Overnight Gingerbread French Toast. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Plus, I shared different variations and storage methods. In closing, this dish is a delightful way to impress at breakfast. Its rich flavors and easy prep make it a winner. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists. Happy cooking!$

Overnight Gingerbread French Toast

Start your holiday mornings right with this delicious Overnight Gingerbread French Toast recipe! This easy brunch recipe features rich brioche bread soaked in a spiced custard, making it the perfect addition to your holiday breakfast ideas. With its warm gingerbread flavor, it's a festive twist on the classic French toast. Make this Gingerbread French Toast easy and enjoy a fuss-free brunch with family! Don't forget to save the recipe! #OvernightFrenchToastRecipe #HolidayBreakfastIdeas #EasyBrunchRecipes #BriocheFrenchToastBake

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Ingredients

8 slices of brioche or challah bread

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (whole or almond)

1/2 cup molasses

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Maple syrup for serving

Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Arrange the slices of brioche or challah bread in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the bread layer for added texture and flavor.

Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Press the bread down gently to submerge it in the mixture.

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly puffed.

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes (plus overnight soaking) | Servings: 6-8