Print

Decadent Baklava French Toast Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/decadent-baklava-french-toast-bake-recipe/