Peachy French Toast Casserole

This peach cobbler French toast bake transforms your morning routine into a special occasion with its perfect balance of juicy peaches, custardy bread, and buttery crumble topping. It's the breakfast casserole that feels like dessert while still being completely acceptable to eat before noon.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu family brunch after finding beautiful peaches at our local farmers' market. It was such a hit that it's now requested at every special occasion breakfast, from Christmas morning to birthday celebrations.

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread: The buttery richness creates the perfect base for soaking up the custard. Day old bread works best as it absorbs more liquid.
• Eggs: Four large eggs provide structure to the custard while keeping everything moist.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: The combination creates the perfect richness. The fat content is important for creating that silky custard texture.
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
• Warm spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth that complements the peaches beautifully.
• Fresh or frozen peaches: Either work perfectly. If using frozen, no need to thaw first. Look for ripe, fragrant peaches if using fresh.
• Brown sugar: The molasses notes enhance the caramelization of the fruit and topping. Dark brown sugar provides even more depth.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the peach juices, preventing a soggy bottom.
• Lemon juice: A touch of acidity balances the sweetness and brightens the peach flavor.
• Cold butter: For the crumble topping, cold butter creates those perfect little pockets of buttery goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Generously butter your 9x13 baking dish, making sure to get into all corners. Distribute the bread cubes evenly, creating a level surface for the custard to be absorbed uniformly.

Create the custard:

Vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices until completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible. Pour slowly and evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all pieces get saturated. Pay special attention to corners and edges.

Prepare the peach mixture:

Gently toss peach slices with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until every slice is coated. The cornstarch should be completely dissolved with no white specks visible. Spread peaches in an even layer over the soaked bread, distributing juices as well.

Make the crumble topping:

Combine dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the cold, cubed butter. Work quickly using your fingertips to create pea-sized crumbles, being careful not to overwork the mixture which would melt the butter. Sprinkle evenly over the entire surface.

Rest and absorb:

For best results, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. This step transforms good French toast into extraordinary French toast by ensuring every bread cube is perfectly saturated.

Bake to golden perfection:

Bake uncovered until the center is set but still slightly jiggly and the top is golden brown with crisp edges. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Serve warm:

Allow to cool slightly which helps the custard set further. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

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The first time I served this to my in-laws, my typically stoic father-in-law went back for thirds. The secret is using really good quality bread and allowing enough time for the custard to fully soak in. There's something magical about the way the peaches caramelize and the custard sets into this perfect creamy texture beneath that buttery crumble.

Make It Seasonal

While peaches are the star of summer versions, this versatile base works beautifully with any seasonal fruit. In fall, substitute diced apples or pears tossed with extra cinnamon and a pinch of cloves. Winter calls for cranberries mixed with orange zest, while spring shines with strawberries and rhubarb. The custard base and crumble topping remain the same, creating a year-round breakfast option that never gets boring.

Storage and Reheating

This breakfast bake maintains its delicious flavor and texture for up to three days when stored properly in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap. For longer storage, cut into individual portions and freeze for up to two months. Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or heat from frozen at 300°F for about 25 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but may make the crumble topping less crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate this already decadent breakfast with thoughtful accompaniments. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream melting into the warm casserole creates a luxurious texture contrast. For special occasions, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a breakfast that doubles as dessert. Balance the sweetness with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage and fresh fruit. Coffee with warm cream perfectly complements the spiced peach flavors, while a mimosa makes this ideal for celebratory brunches.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is actually best when prepared ahead! Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture. In the morning, simply bake as directed for a stress-free breakfast.

→ What's the best bread to use?

Brioche or challah bread are ideal choices because of their rich, buttery flavor and ability to absorb the custard while maintaining structure. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up more of the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

→ Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Absolutely! Fresh peaches are wonderful when in season, but frozen (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (drained well) work perfectly year-round. If using canned, choose ones packed in juice rather than syrup for better flavor control.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly crispy, and the center is set but still moist. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out clean without liquid custard. If the top browns too quickly before the center is set, cover loosely with foil.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The texture is best when reheated gently to prevent drying out.

→ Can I add nuts to this dish?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make excellent additions to the crumble topping. Add about 1/3 cup of chopped nuts to the flour mixture before cutting in the butter for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor.