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Orange Marmalade French Toast Bake

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Orange Marmalade French Toast Bake is a warm breakfast casserole with tender brioche or challah soaked in creamy vanilla-orange custard and layered with sweet, tangy marmalade. Its golden top and soft custardy center make it perfect for holiday breakfasts and weekend brunches.

Ingredients

  • 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, about 14–16 ounces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish
  • 2 tablespoons granulated or coarse sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar, optional
  • Fresh orange slices or berries, optional

Instructions

  1. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the brioche or challah into approximately 1-inch cubes and arrange half of the bread evenly in the dish.
  2. Spoon small amounts of orange marmalade over the first layer of bread. Add the remaining bread cubes and spoon the remaining marmalade over the top.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt until smooth and thoroughly combined.
  4. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or the back of a spoon to help it absorb the custard.
  5. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the topping sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the casserole, then drizzle with the melted butter.
  7. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set rather than wet. Loosely cover with foil if the top begins browning too quickly.
  8. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh orange slices or berries if desired.

Notes

  • The casserole can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated. Add the topping immediately before baking.
  • Brioche and challah work especially well because they absorb the custard while maintaining a rich, tender texture. Slightly stale French bread can also be used.
  • For a cream cheese variation, add small cubes of softened cream cheese between the bread layers.
  • Dried or fresh cranberries, chocolate chips, or chopped pecans can be added between the layers for different flavor variations.
  • Lemon or grapefruit marmalade can replace the orange marmalade.
  • The heavy cream can be replaced with additional whole milk for a lighter casserole.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 325°F (165°C) oven for a crisper top.
  • Freeze completely cooled individual portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/orange-marmalade-french-toast-bake/