Decadent Baklava French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Decadent Baklava French Toast Bake combines the rich flavors of classic baklava with the comforting texture of a French toast casserole. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it offers layers of buttery bread, warm spices, crunchy nuts, and a sweet honey-orange glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Brioche or Challah (day-old bread enhances custard absorption)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (swap for plant-based butter for dairy-free)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
• 4 large Eggs (can replace with flax-egg mixture)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adjust spice levels to preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (adjust spice levels to preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (adjust spice levels to preference)
• 8 oz Phyllo Pastry (toast lightly before use for extra crunch)
• 1 cup Walnuts (can substitute with almonds or pecans)
• 1/2 cup Pistachios (optional for added texture and flavor)
• 1/2 cup Honey (maple syrup can be used for less sweetness)
• 1/4 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (lemon juice can be used as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (optional for flavor enhancement)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-x-13 inch baking dish with butter. Slice the brioche or challah and layer it evenly at the bottom of the dish.
2. Step 2: Tear the phyllo pastry into pieces, drizzle with melted butter, toss gently to coat, and spread evenly over the bread layer.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves until smooth to create a rich custard.
4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and phyllo. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Step 6: While baking, toast the walnuts and pistachios lightly. Once the bake is done, sprinkle the nuts over the top.
7. Step 7: Mix honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest to make the glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the warm French toast bake just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for better custard absorption and a firmer texture.
• For a dairy-free version, swap butter for plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk.
• Adjust the spice blend to your preference, adding more cinnamon or cardamom for stronger flavor.
• Add chopped dried fruits like apricots or dates into the layers for extra sweetness.
• Maple syrup can replace honey in the glaze for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The glaze is best added fresh at serving to maintain its bright flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dessert the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts and pistachios?

Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts all work well and can be toasted for extra crunch and flavor.

Decadent Baklava French Toast Bake Recipe

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This Decadent Baklava French Toast Bake is a luxurious twist on classic French toast, combining the rich flavors and textures of baklava with a custardy bread bake. Featuring layers of brioche or challah bread, toasted phyllo pastry, and a spiced custard infused with cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, it is baked to a golden perfection and finished with a sweet honey-orange glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this dish marries the buttery crunch of nuts and phyllo with a silky, aromatic custard.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern-American Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 1 loaf Brioche or Challah (day-old bread enhances custard absorption)
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (swap for plant-based butter for dairy-free)

For the Custard

• 2 cups Whole Milk (substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
• 4 large Eggs (can replace with flax-egg mixture)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust according to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adjust spice levels to preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (adjust spice levels to preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (adjust spice levels to preference)

For the Crunch

• 8 oz Phyllo Pastry (toast lightly before use for extra crunch)
• 1 cup Walnuts (can substitute with almonds or pecans)
• 1/2 cup Pistachios (optional for added texture and flavor)

For the Glaze

• 1/2 cup Honey (maple syrup can be used for less sweetness)
• 1/4 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (lemon juice can be used as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (optional for flavor enhancement)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the French toast bake.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread: Grease a 9-x-13 inch baking dish with butter. Slice the brioche or challah loaf evenly and layer the slices evenly at the bottom of the dish.
3. Prepare the Crunch Layer: Tear the phyllo pastry into pieces, drizzle melted butter over them, and toss gently to coat well. Sprinkle these buttery phyllo pieces evenly over the bread layer.
4. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, and ground cloves until smooth and fully combined into a rich custard mixture.
5. Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and phyllo, making sure everything is thoroughly coated and submerged.
6. Soak: Allow the entire mixture to soak for 5 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard well.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and crisp.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While baking, combine honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl to make the glaze.
9. Serve: Drizzle the warm honey-orange glaze over the bake just before serving to add sweetness and a citrusy aroma. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• Using day-old brioche or challah bread helps it absorb the custard better for a custardy texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based butter and milk with almond or oat milk.
• Flax eggs can replace eggs for a vegan-friendly custard.
• Toast phyllo pastry lightly to intensify its crunchiness when baked.
• Adjust spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves according to your taste preference.
• Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different sweetness profile in the glaze.
• Ensure the custard covers all bread layers for even soaking and cooking.

Keywords: Baklava French Toast Bake, baked French toast, holiday breakfast, spiced custard bake, phyllo pastry dessert, nutty French toast, brunch recipe