Entry #3099, December 15, 2013

Few scents evoke holiday memories like the smell of fresh-baked gingerbread. But, in the midst of hectic holiday schedules, it can be hard to find the time to give cookie decorating the attention it deserves. Fortunately, this holiday gingerbread french toast casserole offers the best of both worlds. Your family will get the chance to indulge in a decadent, seasonal breakfast and only you will know that it can be thrown together in just a few minutes.

Holiday Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Gingerbread French Toast Recipe

Image via: Pinterest

Ingredients:

1 loaf cinnamon bread

8 eggs

3 cups milk

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg   

1 stick butter

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Gingerbread French Toast Casserole Recipe

Image Via: Fave Thing

Preparation:

1. Cut the loaf of bread into bite-sized cubes. Set aside for later. If possible, use slightly stale bread. It will soak up the egg mixture better and retain more flavor.
2. Crack the eggs into a large bowl. Add in the milk, brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Wisk everything until it is thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and toss until they are well coated. It should sit for at least half an hour up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Transfer the bread cubes into a grease baking pan and bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until the custard is fully set.
6. Pull the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for about ten minutes.
7. While the french toast is baking, leave the butter out to soften.
8. When the butter becomes malleable, mash it together with the maple syrup until they become fully incorporated. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat.
9. Serve portions of the casserole warm with pats of the maple butter and drizzles of maple syrup.

Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

 Image Via: Baked Perfection

Gingerbread offers a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile that everyone loves. Since this recipe is incredibly simple to double, consider serving this Holiday Gingerbread French Toast Casserole as the centerpiece of your holiday brunch. Or, just making a double batch to keep in the freezer for your next lazy Saturday morning.

For more holiday recipes on Stagetecture, click here.