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!
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.
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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Yummy!
I am really into chai spiced sweets lately! I think I am going to try out the flavour in froyo or ice cream. French toast is also an excellent idea!
Oh my god, LOVE this. It sounds like the perfect warm and cozy brunch food for a rainy or snowy Sunday. Next time I get my hands on some challah it’s onnnn.
Umm… YES please? Seriously. How creative is this?
oh my heavens! I don’t even know what to say. this is simply divine. gorgeous, everything you want in a french toast meets chai tea! I love it
Heading over to get the recipe! I’m with you- as much as I love smoothies, I tend to drink them in the afternoon sitting in front of warm window- I can’t drink them first thing in the morning, too cold!
I steer clear from all the non warm things for breakfast these months. Starting the day with warm and comforting is so much better, love all the flavors in here, and of course beautiful photos!
The flavors of chai make me swoon… this looks and sounds awesome, Jen!
This looks unbelievably delicious! I can only imagine the amazing spice from the chai and the traditional french toast together!
This french toast looks amazing! I love how you used chai in it, one of my favorite additions to baked things, and that crumble top has me drooling. Beautiful pictures as always!
OMG…you are killing me with this! I could lick my laptop right now!!!! Seriously, Jen…gorgeous. This would be fantastic for a brunch I’m planning!
Easy like Sunday morning, which is exactly when I think I’ll make this. Because what’s better than having the day off, sleeping late and having this warm, carby deliciousness to look forward to? NOTHING. NOTHING I SAY!
sounds like a perfect thing for brunch – i dont know why but i have stopped making breakfast/brunch in the morning ( laziness I think).
Wow! So decadent! I have a friend coming into town this weekend, and this looks like an amazing addition to our Sunday brunch menu!
This sounds so good, and it looks even better! Love chai spices, and I love French toast. Pinning!