Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly delicious, that it turns your ordinary morning into a culinary celebration! Our Babka French Toast Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a game-changing breakfast experience that combines the rich, swirled goodness of traditional Jewish babka with the classic comfort of French toast. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Jewish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf babka, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Cut the babka loaf into 1-inch cubes, making sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the babka cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer that fills the entire pan.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the babka cubes, making sure to saturate all the bread pieces. Gently press down on the cubes to help them absorb the liquid.
- Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, which will create a rich and custardy texture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to portion.
- Serve warm, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality babka with a rich filling like chocolate or cinnamon for maximum flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure the bread fully absorbs the custard mixture.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle some chocolate chips or chopped nuts between the babka layers.
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother, more evenly mixed custard.
- Don't overbake—the center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
- Serve with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 292kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 245mg
