Baked gingerbread French toast turns a quiet weekend morning into something the whole house gathers around. It carries the warm flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, and it bakes up golden without any standing over a skillet. One pan does all the work.
Why This Gingerbread French Toast Bake Wins
- Make it the night before and slide it into the oven when you wake up
- Cozy holiday spices in every bite
- Feeds a crowd from one 9×13 pan
- A soft, custardy center under a crisp golden top
If you love a breakfast that feels festive but asks very little of you, this is the one to keep in your back pocket. It comes together with everyday ingredients and a little patience while it bakes.
Use bread that is a day or two old so it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
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Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread French Toast
- The molasses and spices taste just like a warm slice of gingerbread, only softer and custardy
- This baked gingerbread French toast smells incredible while it cooks, filling the kitchen with holiday spice
- The edges crisp up while the middle stays tender and rich
Ingredient Notes
These are notes to help you shop and swap, so read them before you start. You will find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Day old crusty white bread holds its shape and drinks up the custard; Italian or French loaves work well
- Molasses gives that deep gingerbread color and flavor, so do not skip it
- Powdered ginger, cinnamon, and cloves are the classic gingerbread trio
- Heavy cream and milk together make the custard rich without being heavy
For equipment you only need a 9×13 baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a whisk. Grease the dish well with butter so nothing sticks.
How to Make Baked Gingerbread French Toast
Making baked gingerbread French toast is mostly mixing and pouring, then letting the oven do the rest. Here is the friendly overview before you check the card for the full method.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baker with butter
- Cube the bread into chunky pieces and pile it into the dish
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, molasses, butter, sugar, and spices, then pour over the bread
- Toss to coat and let it sit 5 minutes so the bread soaks
- Bake 45 minutes to 1 hour until the eggs are set
To prep ahead, mix everything the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning and add a few extra minutes. This recipe fills one pan and serves 6, and it scales nicely if you use two dishes for a larger group.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this gingerbread bake keep beautifully, which makes it handy for busy mornings later in the week.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months in a sealed container
- Reheat in a 300 degree oven or a quick spin in the microwave until warm
Variations & Substitutions
This spiced French toast bake takes well to small changes, so use what you have and what your family likes.
- Swap whole milk for half and half if you want it even richer
- Add a handful of chopped pecans on top for crunch
- Stir in a little orange zest to brighten the spices
- Use a brioche or challah loaf for a more tender, cake-like texture
For more holiday baking with the same warm spice profile, try these tender gingerbread muffins alongside your breakfast spread.
What to Serve with Baked Gingerbread French Toast
Baked gingerbread French toast is rich on its own, so a few simple sides round out the plate nicely.
- A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm maple syrup
- Crisp bacon or breakfast sausage for a salty contrast
- Fresh orange slices or berries
- A savory egg bake like this cheesy breakfast strata for a bigger holiday table
Still have a question or two before you start? Here are the ones readers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked gingerbread French toast the night before?
Yes. Assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate overnight, then bake it in the morning and add a few extra minutes since it starts cold.
What bread works best?
A sturdy day old crusty white loaf like Italian or French bread holds up best and soaks in the custard without turning to mush.
How do I know when it is done?
The eggs should be set in the center with no wet, jiggly spots, usually after 45 minutes to an hour.
Whether you are feeding overnight guests or just treating your own family, this cozy bake makes the morning feel a little more special. Mix it, bake it, and dust it with powdered sugar before you serve.
Baked Gingerbread French Toast
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Ingredients
- 1 lb day old crusty white bread I used Italian bread
- 12 eggs lightly beaten
- 1½ cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup molasses
- 6 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp powdered ginger
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Generously grease a 9×13 baker. (I suggest using butter)
- Cube the bread into chunky pieces. Place in baker.
- Mix the rest of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until combined. Pour over bread. Toss well to coat. Let sit for five minutes.
- Place in a 350º oven for 45 minutes to one hour. Bake until eggs are set. If the top gets too brown while baking, cover with foil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Good morning Melanie. Okay, it just turned afternoon but we are talking about a wonderful holiday breakfast meal here so I’ll stick with morning. Your pix are great and this recipe looks marvelous and only 10 minutes to prepare, my kind of holiday meal for sure. I love gingerbread so I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Now Melanie, you know I love you, but we have a problem. It is 10.30 at night, I cannot go and cook this, but you have made me want some right now, and I am now very hungry and it is bed time! This cannot go on!!!! Your recipes are so wonderful and your photography is too may I add!! xx
I love french toast and your recipe looks divine!