This Baked Chai Spiced French Toast can be prepared the night before to save time, making it a perfect make-ahead option for breakfast and brunch. The spices will keep you warm during those chilly winter months!Â
I tend to go for simple recipes first thing in the morning. Smoothies, yogurt with some granola, maybe eggs on an English muffin if I’m feeling extra motivated. In winter, I’m less inclined to go the smoothie route because I’m freezing all the time. Â
Hot breakfasts that involve the oven are certainly a good way to keep the kitchen warm during those cold January months. However, I’m also extremely lazy in the morning, so I don’t like preparing overly complicated breakfasts.
One solution is baked french toast. The great thing about this baked chai spiced french toast is that you can do all of the prep work the night beforehand. Once morning arrives, all you have to do is stick it in the oven. Voila: hot, tasty carbs.
Warm kitchen, hot breakfast. Sound good?
Looking for more make-ahead breakfasts?
You may also enjoy my English muffins, overnight oats, and banana bread muffins!
Baked Chai Spiced French Toast
Ingredients
Chai spice mixture:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
French toast:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cup whole milk (1% or 2% may be substituted)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chai spice mixture
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 9 cups day-old challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chai spice mixture
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, cloves and ginger. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of the spice mixture.
- Use the softened butter to grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and place the bread inside the pan, gently pressing it down. Briefly re-whisk the liquid ingredients and pour over the bread, covering all of the exposed bread. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight to allow the mixture to absorb into the bread.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chai spice mixture, and salt with a fork. Add the cold butter and press the mixture together, stirring until a crumb topping has formed.
- Uncover the loaf pan and press the bread down gently until the liquid begins seeping up. Spread the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy.
- Allow to cool for several minutes before slicing and serving.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
Baked french toast is one of my favorite brunch items. I love chai spice, so I am looking forward to trying this recipe!
Sharron says
This makes me drool! LOL
Medha says
I love adding chai spice in baked sweets! These french toast looks very tempting – I have to try this now. I am a big fan of your photography – gorgeous lighting and images!
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I love that this can be made the night before. I want to dig in. Pinned.
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
Oh I am so making this, like, within 24 hours. I can’t wait!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Gorgeous, I love the chai spice! Thank you for you the granola link love!
ThisBakerGirlBlogs says
Sound REALLY good! I love french toast :)
Ellen says
Chai spices and French toast! It makes such logical sense I’m almost surprised I never thought of it!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
I’m pinning this cause I gotta make it.
Mary Frances says
I am so lazy in the morning, too. Hot breakfasts are rare around here! We love French toast, and I especially love chai, so this looks perfect!
Kathryn says
I’m totally with you – winter breakfasts are all about minimum effort but maximum deliciousness. This looks like it totally fits the bill.
Meg says
Chai and French toast — combining two fabulous things must yield something equally wonderful. I never have time to really make anything for breakfast in the morning, but I could definitely see getting up early on Sundays to make this one as a special treat!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
This looks amazing I always wanted to try a French Toast bake!! Plus it being Chai is a total bonus!
Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says
Oooo, this would go so well with my morning coffee!! Pinned!
Happy Valley Chow says
What a terrific twist on a classic! Definitely going to try this, love me some french toast!
Liz@Virtually Homemade says
I love the Chai spicy flavor in anything! Looks beautiful.