California Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Gingerbread Baked French Toast: The Perfect Holiday Morning Treat

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of warm spices and sweet, toasty bread on a chilly December morning. Gingerbread Baked French Toast is everything you love about the holidays wrapped up in one comforting dish—soft, custardy layers of bread infused with, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. It’s like your favorite gingerbread cookies and classic French toast joined forces to create the ultimate festive breakfast. 

Once baked to golden perfection, the top becomes lightly crisp while the inside stays rich and custardy, perfect for soaking up a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve it warm straight from the oven, and watch as friends and family gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible scent and the promise of something special. Whether it’s Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or just a cozy winter weekend, this Gingerbread Baked French Toast is the kind of dish that makes the season feel extra magical—sweet, spiced, and meant to be shared.

Recipe for Gingerbread French Toast Casserole

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 min.

Cook Time: 40 min.

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 thick slices brioche bread, cut into cubes

• 4 large eggs

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

• 4 ginger snap cookies, crushed

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and place your California plate on a baking sheet for easy removal from the oven. Arrange the brioche bread cubes in the dish. 

2. In a large bowl whisk the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the bread and top with the crushed cookies. It’s helpful to use a spoon or pastry brush to add any egg mixture to the tops of any bread pieces that didn’t get coated. 

3. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the egg mixture is set. If browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with pure maple syrup. 

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