Name: Gingerbread French Toast Bake: A Cozy Holiday Morning Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 10-11 oz French Bread, cubed; 1 cup Cream (or milk for a lighter option); 1 cup Sugar (brown sugar preferred); 1/4 cup Molasses (essential for gingerbread flavor); 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves (or allspice as a substitute); 1 tsp Ground Ginger (fresh ginger can be used); 1 tsp Cinnamon (or allspice if needed); 1/4 tsp Salt; 4 Eggs (consider extra yolks for richness); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (granulated sugar can be used); 1 cup Eggnog (non-dairy options work too); 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (optional); 1/4 tsp Clove (optional); 1 tsp Vanilla

As the first hints of winter creep in, I can’t help but get swept up in the aroma of holiday spices—the warm embrace of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filling the kitchen. This Gingerbread French Toast Bake with Eggnog Syrup is my go-to recipe for creating joyful memories on Christmas morning. Not only does it deliver that nostalgic holiday flavor, but it also allows you to savor time with loved ones instead of being tied to the stove—perfect for make-ahead enthusiasts! Just imagine pulling a golden, custardy bake from the oven, ready to be drizzled with a decadent eggnog syrup. Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game this festive season? Let’s dive into the details!

Why is Gingerbread French Toast Bake a Must-Try?

Unforgettable Flavors: The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a nostalgic taste that brings the essence of the holidays to your breakfast table.

Effortless Preparation: Perfect for busy mornings, this recipe can be assembled the night before, letting you enjoy time with your loved ones while it bakes. Just like with my Peanut Butter Bake, prep has never been easier!

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its rich custard texture and festive flavors, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in brioche or add nuts to customize your bake, just as you would with my Soft Baked Maple recipe.

Showstopper Presentation: The golden crust and drizzled eggnog syrup make this dish a stunning centerpiece for any holiday brunch.

Gingerbread French Toast Bake Ingredients

For the Bake
• French Bread – Use about 10-11 oz of cubed French bread for optimal texture.
• Cream – Adds richness; swap with milk for a lighter version if desired.
• Sugar – Sweetens the bake; brown sugar offers a deeper flavor preference.
• Molasses – Essential for that classic gingerbread taste; do not omit for authenticity.
• Ground Cloves – Delivers warmth and spice; allspice can substitute in a pinch.
• Ground Ginger – Crucial for gingerbread flavor; you may use fresh ginger with adjustments.
• Cinnamon – Enhances the spice profile; feel free to substitute with allspice if needed.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness for harmonious flavor.
• Eggs – Binds everything together and contributes to the custard-like texture; for richness, consider extra yolks.

For the Eggnog Syrup
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the syrup; granulated sugar can be used but may affect texture.
• Eggnog – Infuses holiday flavor into the syrup; non-dairy options are available for lactose-free diets.
• Nutmeg – Enhances the flavor profile; optional but highly recommended.
• Clove – Complements the syrup; a touch adds depth if you enjoy it.
• Vanilla – Optional for an aromatic boost; elevates the overall taste beautifully.

Feel free to assemble this delightful Gingerbread French Toast Bake ahead of time and enjoy every warm, cozy bite on Christmas morning!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving later. Begin by evenly arranging approximately 10-11 ounces of cubed French bread in the bottom of the pan. Make sure the pieces are well-distributed, as they will soak up all the delicious custard mixture to create a delightful foundation for your Gingerbread French Toast Bake.

Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with cream until they are fully combined. Add in sugar, molasses, ground cloves, ground ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; mix thoroughly until the custard is smooth and glossy. This rich blend will infuse your bread with aromatic flavors, creating that delicious holiday essence throughout the bake.

Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, ensuring that every piece is well-soaked. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to help it absorb the liquid thoroughly. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak in those warm spices and creamy goodness as you preheat the oven.

Step 4: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish inside and bake for 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it — the Gingerbread French Toast Bake should puff slightly and develop a golden brown crust on top. The edges will be slightly crispy while the center remains custardy and soft, indicating it’s perfectly done.

Step 5: Prepare the Eggnog Syrup
While the bake is in the oven, whisk together powdered sugar, eggnog, and optional spices such as nutmeg and clove in a separate bowl. Mix until smooth, and set aside to chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before you’re ready to enjoy the Gingerbread French Toast Bake, warm this rich syrup in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that cozy holiday flavor.

Storage Tips for Gingerbread French Toast Bake

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a cozy breakfast pick-me-up.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled the night before and kept in the refrigerator, allowing for fresh baking on Christmas morning without the hassle.

Reheating: When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes for larger portions.

Make Ahead Options

These Gingerbread French Toast Bake preparations are ideal for busy holiday mornings! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by following the typical steps and then refrigerating it overnight. Make sure to cover it well to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40-50 minutes. If you prefer, you can prepare the eggnog syrup ahead of time as well — mix all the syrup ingredients and store them in the refrigerator, then warm it just before serving. Enjoy a delightful, hassle-free Christmas morning!

Gingerbread French Toast Bake Variations

Feel free to customize your Gingerbread French Toast Bake and make it truly your own with these delightful twists!

Challah or Brioche: Swap French bread for these for a richer, more luxurious texture.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the spices. The warmth of these nuts adds a lovely contrast to the creamy custard.
Dried Fruits: Add raisins, cranberries, or chopped figs to the mixture for bursts of sweetness in each bite. Fruit elevates the holiday spirit, giving an extra layer of flavor.
Spice Boost: Increase the amounts of cinnamon and ginger for a more intense holiday flavor. A dash of cardamom can also bring a surprising warmth that enlivens the traditional taste.
Maple Syrup Variation: Drizzle pure maple syrup instead of eggnog syrup for a classic twist. The sweetness of maple mixes beautifully with the gingerbread spices.
Lactose-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream and eggnog with almond milk and coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free version. This is perfect for guests who are lactose intolerant but still want to indulge.
Extra Sweet: Top your bake with a cream cheese glaze instead of the standard syrup. This adds a delightful tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the bake.

If you’re longing for further variations on breakfast favorites, check out our Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bake for a hearty start or our delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast that is sure to delight your family!

Expert Tips for Gingerbread French Toast Bake

Night Before Prep: Assemble the Gingerbread French Toast Bake a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for easy baking on Christmas morning.
Moisture Check: Avoid overly soggy bread by ensuring the custard is evenly distributed but not swimming; soak for just the right amount of time.
Pan Size Matters: Use a 9×13 baking dish to bake evenly; smaller pans may lead to undercooked centers and longer baking times.
Testing for Doneness: Look for a golden brown crust and a slightly puffed center; no liquid egg mixture should be visible when testing.
Versatile Syrups: Experiment with flavored syrups or toppings, like maple syrup or fresh fruit, to switch things up from the classic eggnog syrup.

What to Serve with Gingerbread French Toast Bake

Imagine curling up by the fire with a plate of delicious sides that complement the warmth of your holiday breakfast.

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweet, spiced flavors of the bake, creating a delightful contrast.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit medley adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness to your festive table. Consider seasonal fruits to enhance the holiday cheer.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream not only enhances the dish but also invites you to indulge in a dessert-like breakfast experience.
Hot Cocoa: Warm up with a rich cup of cocoa, pairing perfectly with the sweet and spiced notes of the gingerbread — a comforting sip that transports you to winter wonderland.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate your offering with a drizzle of golden maple syrup, its earthy sweetness enhancing the spices and warmth of the dish.
Spiced Apple Compote: This fragrant topping introduces a lovely texture and depth, with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to echo the flavors in the bake.
Sausage Links: Savory sausage links bring heartiness to the table, harmonizing with the baked dish while satisfying hungry bellies.
Eggnog Latte: A cozy coffee drink enriched with eggnog will beautifully resonate with the flavors of your Gingerbread French Toast Bake, making for a splendid morning.
Pecan Pie Bites: For a sweet ending, mini pecan pie bites delight with their buttery crunch and caramel notes, a festive treat to round out your holiday breakfast.

Gingerbread French Toast Bake Recipe FAQs

What type of bread is best for this recipe?
For the Gingerbread French Toast Bake, I recommend using 10-11 ounces of cubed French bread. This provides the perfect structure and soak for the custard. While French bread is ideal, you can also substitute with challah or brioche for a richer texture that’s equally delightful.

How should I store the leftovers?
Store your Gingerbread French Toast Bake leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best taste, I suggest reheating individual portions in the microwave or oven, which transforms the dish back into a cozy breakfast treat.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual slices of the Gingerbread French Toast Bake in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through — about 15-20 minutes for larger portions.

What do I do if the bake doesn’t puff up?
If your Gingerbread French Toast Bake doesn’t puff up as expected, it may be due to not enough custard being absorbed. Ensure each piece of bread is thoroughly soaked before baking. If the bake is still undercooked in the center, you can return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes and cover it with foil to prevent browning.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting cream with a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, and using a non-dairy eggnog for the syrup. This way, everyone at your breakfast table can enjoy the festive flavors, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Can pets have any of the ingredients, like eggnog?
While eggnog is a delicious treat for us humans, it’s best to keep it away from pets. Most traditional eggnog recipes contain ingredients that are unsuitable for pets, including sugar and nutmeg, which can be toxic to them. It’s safest to enjoy this treat yourself and provide your furry friends with pet-safe snacks instead.