Delicious Baked Almond French Toast is my go-to brunch dish, perfect for Mother’s Day, overnight guests, Christmas Day or other holidays, and even cheat days when Ron and I allow ourselves to indulge in carbs. And the best part is, you can assemble it the night before with no rush or kitchen mess in the morning.
I serve this dish with fresh fruit like raspberries and blackberries along with fresh homemade whipped cream. This pairs well with the crisp, browned almonds atop the custardy center. It’s absolutely delicious and I get lots of requests for it!
I use Raley’s Dutch Crust bread which is flaky on the outside and soft on the inside if I can’t find a long soft Italian loaf.
As seen in the picture, I once added edible fresh flowers I bought at the San Francisco Farmer’s Market for a special touch when my friend Lisa stayed with me. ♥
Ingredients
FOR FRENCH TOAST
1 14 to16-inch long soft Italian loaf
3 large eggs
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
FOR TOPPING
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup sliced almonds
Generous pinch of salt
ACCOMPANIMENT
Fresh raspberries, blackberries, and homemade whipped cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375° with rack in the middle.
MAKE FRENCH TOAST:
- Cut loaf crosswise into 1-inch thick slices.
- Gently squeeze as many slices as possible, cut side up, into a buttered 13 X 9-inch pan.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, butter, sugar, salt, and almond extract and pour evenly over bread.
- Chill, covered, until the bread has absorbed custard—about 1 hour or overnight.
ASSEMBLE TOPPING:
- Lightly whisk the egg white with sugar and a generous pinch of salt.
- Stir in almonds until well combined.
- Spread mixture evenly over bread.
- Bake until bread is puffed and golden—about 25-35 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes & Tips:
- The custard combines well if you begin by whisking the eggs first, then add the milk. When you add the butter, do so in a slow stream, constantly whisking.
- Use a long serrated knife to cut the bread.
- Use a rubber spatula to spread the almond mixture over the bread.
- Delicious Baked Almond French Toast is scrumptious on its own or with maple syrup, but it's especially scrumptious with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream.
- Delicious Baked Almond French Toast is a great brunch dish, but it's also an excellent dessert.
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FOR HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM:
- Place mixing bowl (I use stainless steel) and beaters in the freezer overnight or for at least 1/2 hour to chill.
- Put four tablespoons baker's sugar (fine sugar) into the mixing bowl and then two cups heavy whipping cream (I use those without carrageenan; just pure cream).
- Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- *Do not overbeat!* Whipped cream only takes a couple of minutes to make, but it's only a few seconds between soft whipped cream and over-mixed whipped cream.
♥SprySparrow.com
4 comments
This is one of our cheat day favorites!
This sounds delicious and easy.
Will be whipping up a batch SOON!
Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! Please let me know how you like it! It’s so delicious and the PERFECT dish to make ahead.
[…] I’ve posted this recipe before (though I’ve updated it) as it’s perfect year-round. Just last week, Ron made it while staying with his friends at a base camp house while elk hunting. The guys loved it and even asked for the recipe. […]
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