Get ready to transform your mornings with the ultimate comfort dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with warm, cozy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply craving something absolutely irresistible, Maple French Toast is about to become your new favorite breakfast tradition.
Table of Contents
What Is Maple French Toast?
This isn’t just any French toast — it’s a baked masterpiece that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. Think layers of fluffy, custard-soaked bread combined with creamy pockets of cream cheese, finished with a buttery streusel that’s perfectly crisp. Plus, every bite is kissed with the warm, earthy sweetness of maple syrup that brings it all together.
Baked Maple French toast is the ultimate combination of simplicity and out-of-this-world flavor. Assemble everything the night before, and when morning rolls around, all that’s left to do is bake it to golden perfection. It’s ideal for everything from casual weekends to celebratory brunches!
Ingredients You Need
French Toast
- Bread – A thick, sturdy bread works best to hold up to the rich custard. We recommend using slightly stale bread to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
- Cream Cheese – This adds creamy pockets throughout the dish for an unexpected touch of indulgence. Cube it for the best distribution.
- Eggs – These give the dish its structure and custardy texture. Whisk them well for a smooth mixture.
- Milk – Milk lightens up the custard while keeping it creamy. We like whole milk for maximum richness.
- Heavy Cream – This enhances the overall creaminess, making the custard velvety and rich.
- Maple Syrup – Syrup sweetens the dish with a caramel-like, earthy flavor. Use real maple syrup for the best results.
- Vanilla Extract – Brings a warm, aromatic note to the custard. A little goes a long way!
- Cinnamon – Adds a cozy, spiced touch that pairs perfectly with the maple syrup.
- Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the custard. Freshly grated nutmeg works best.
- Salt – Salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Streusel Topping
- Flour – All-purpose flour creates the base for the topping — it creates the perfect crisp, tender crumb.
- Brown Sugar – This sugar adds sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth. You can use light or dark based on what you prefer!
- Cold Butter – Butter gives the streusel a crumbly, crisp texture.
- Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup infuses the streusel with its sweet, earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon – This spice gives the topping a warm, spiced flavor.
- Salt – Using a little bit of salt keeps the sweetness in check and balances the flavors of the streusel.
How to Make Maple French Toast
- Layer the bread. Spread the bread evenly across a prepared baking dish to ensure every slice gets coated with the custard.
- Whisk the custard. Combine the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices. Mix until smooth and pour it evenly over the bread.
- Let it soak. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb all the custard.
- Add the cream cheese. Before baking, tuck the cubed cream cheese throughout the bread for creamy, tangy bites.
- Make the streusel topping. Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the maple syrup.
- Assemble. Scatter the streusel topping evenly over the French toast.
- Bake. Place in the oven until the topping is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and serve. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Variations
- Bread – Try brioche or challah for a softer texture or sourdough for a tangy contrast.
- Fruit – Toss in fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
- Flavored Cream Cheese – Swap plain cream cheese for a flavored version like honey or cinnamon to elevate the flavor.
- Spice – Add ground cardamom, allspice, or cloves for a more spiced variation.
- Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch.
- Chocolate – Add chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving for a decadent treat.
- Glaze – Drizzle a powdered sugar glaze over the top instead of maple syrup.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, know that the streusel topping may soften as it sits, but the flavor will remain just as delicious!
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze individual portions for up to one month and reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Common Questions about Maple French Toast
Brioche or challah are great choices because they soak up the egg mixture perfectly and get super crispy.
Absolutely — we actually recommend it! Soak the bread in the egg mixture, refrigerate it overnight, and cook it when you’re ready.
Place it in a preheated oven on a baking sheet at the lowest temperature setting. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.
Get creative! Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, nuts, fruit syrup, chocolate chips, peanut butter, or even a scoop of ice cream are all delicious options.
More French Toast Recipes
French toast is one of our favorite ways to start the day! Try these other easy versions of the classic breakfast.
Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Maple French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup maple syrup plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- A pinch of salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
Maple Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter cubed
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread evenly in the dish.1 loaf French bread
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked.6 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, A pinch of salt
- Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb (or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option).
- Top with cubed cream cheese8 ounces cream cheese
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, 2 Tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, A pinch of salt
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. For a softer texture, bake for about 45 minutes.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
