French toast bakes are a favorite in my household. The kids always gobble them up, and they are so easy to make! The inspiration behind this recipe came from a family brunch gathering for Father’s Day. I put together a fairly lavish brunch menu to celebrate the dads in my life, and I needed at least one of the dishes to be make-ahead for easy preparation on the day of the event.
I've always loved the combination of pancakes paired with blueberry maple syrup, so I decided to take those prominent flavours and turn them into this decadent French toast bake. Our beautiful Spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam was the perfect fit for this recipe. The sweet blueberries, the tart haskaps, and the warm flavors offered by baking spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create a perfect combination in this custard-meets-crust brunch dish.
What makes this French toast bake truly special is the way it brings together the familiar comfort of a classic breakfast with the sophisticated twist of artisanal preserves and spices. The sourdough bread soaks up the rich custard, infused with the depth of cinnamon and nutmeg, while the Spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam adds bursts of sweet and tart flavors, elevating each bite to a new level of deliciousness.
This dish is a must-try for any elevated, ‘fancy’ brunch or a special treat for the kids on the weekend. It not only combines delightful flavours but also offers the convenience of a make-ahead dish, freeing up time to enjoy with your loved ones. We’ve found it to be a hit in our home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to make a weekend breakfast extra special, this recipe is sure to impress.
We hope your family and friends enjoys the French toast bake as much as ours have!
Table of content
What is in a Blueberry & Haskap French Toast Bake ?
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread adds a unique tangy flavor and chewy texture to the Blueberry & Haskap Jam French Toast Bake. Its firm structure holds up well when soaked in the egg mixture, ensuring a hearty and satisfying dish. Choose a freshly baked, artisanal sourdough loaf for the best results.
Large Eggs
Eggs are the foundation of this French toast bake, providing the necessary custard-like base that binds all the ingredients together. They add richness and help the dish achieve its desired texture. Opt for organic, free-range eggs to enhance the quality and flavor of your Blueberry & Haskap Jam French Toast Bake.
Whole Milk
Whole milk contributes to the creamy consistency of the custard, balancing the flavours and adding a smooth texture to the French toast bake. Its fat content is crucial for a rich and indulgent dish. For the best taste, use high-quality, organic whole milk.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon infuses the French toast bake with a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that complements the blueberry and haskap jam beautifully. It enhances the overall taste profile, making each bite aromatic and comforting. Use freshly ground cinnamon for the most potent flavor.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy sweetness to the dish, enhancing the complexity of the Blueberry & Haskap Jam French Toast Bake. Its warm spice notes pair perfectly with the other ingredients. Opt for freshly grated nutmeg to maximize its aromatic qualities.
Salt
Salt is essential in balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavour of the French toast bake. It brings out the natural flavours of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-rounded taste. Use a high-quality sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavour to the custard mixture, complementing the spiced blueberry & haskap jam. It also provides a delightful, caramel-like note that enhances the dish. Choose pure, organic maple syrup for an authentic taste.
Spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam
Our house-made spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam from Berry & Brine is the star ingredient, providing a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of spice. This jam elevates the French toast bake, making it a truly gourmet dish. Opt for our premium, handcrafted jam to ensure the highest quality and flavor.
Tools you will need to make a French Toast Bake
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9x12 greased baking dish
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
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Watch how theBlueberry & Haskap French Toast Bake is made!
[RECIPE] Blueberry & Haskap French Toast Bake
You’ve got to try this French toast bake! It’s always a hit at our family gatherings, and the kids devour it. Using our Spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam adds the perfect sweet-tart flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time. Perfect for a stress-free brunch! |
Ingredients
- 1 small loaf sourdough bread, sliced into 1.5 inch cubes
- 10 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- ¾ cup spiced blueberry and haskap jam, plus more for topping
Directions
Prepare the Bread: Slice the sourdough loaf into 1.5-inch cubes using a sharp knife on a cutting board. Place the cubes in a 9X12 greased baking dish.
Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and maple syrup until well combined.
Combine Bread and Custard: Add the custard mixture to the baking dish, evening pouring to coat all the bread evenly.
Add the Jam: Gently spoon in the spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the bread and custard mixture.
Let It Sit: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and jam.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: Remove the cover from the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Serve warm, topped with an extra dollop of spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
I hope you give this French toast bake a try! It’s become a staple for our family gatherings, and the kids absolutely love it. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare ahead of time, making brunch day a breeze. The blend of sweet blueberries, tart haskaps, and warm spices from our Spiced Blueberry & Haskap Jam is just unbeatable. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds. Let me know how it turns out for you—I’m sure it will be a hit! |
Products used in the Blueberry & Haskap French Toast Bake
Can I prepare the Blueberry & Haskap Jam French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the Blueberry & Haskap Jam French Toast Bake ahead of time! This is actually one of the best parts about this recipe. You can assemble everything the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. The bread soaks up all the custard, making it even more flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake it until it’s golden and delicious. This way, you get to enjoy a stress-free brunch with your family and friends, without having to rush around in the morning. It's perfect for those lazy weekends or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort on the day of.
What can I substitute for sourdough bread in this recipe?
If you don’t have sourdough bread on hand, no worries! You can easily substitute it with other types of bread. Brioche or challah are fantastic options because they’re rich and slightly sweet, which complements the flavours of the jam and spices. Even a good quality French bread or a sturdy white bread can work well. Just make sure whatever bread you use is a bit stale or toasted, as this helps it hold up better to the custard without getting too soggy. The key is to have a bread that can absorb the custard well and still maintain a nice texture after baking.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Making this French toast bake dairy-free is quite simple. You can substitute the whole milk with any plant-based milk that you prefer. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are all great options. For the custard, instead of using regular butter, you can use a dairy-free butter or even coconut oil. Just make sure whatever substitute you choose doesn’t have too strong of a flavour that might overpower the other ingredients. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get that delicious, custardy texture. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy this fantastic brunch dish even if you’re avoiding dairy!
