Pull Apart French Toast Bake

Pull Apart French Toast Bake is a cozy, shareable twist on classic French toast. Made with buttery biscuit dough or torn bread chunks, coated in a rich cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, and baked to golden perfection, this dish is soft in the center and caramelized on the edges. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French toast bake is easy, indulgent, and made for sharing. You get all the flavor and texture of traditional French toast without standing at the stove flipping slices. The pull-apart style adds fun and ease, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or making ahead. Plus, it’s customizable with add-ins like nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips for an extra-special breakfast treat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bake:

• Refrigerated biscuit dough or thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Butter, melted
• Optional add-ins: chopped pecans, raisins, mini chocolate chips

For serving:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese glaze or icing (optional)

directions

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole dish.
2. Prep the bread:
   If using biscuit dough, cut each piece into quarters. If using bread, tear or cube it into bite-sized chunks.
3. Make the custard:
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
4. Combine:
   Toss the dough or bread pieces in the egg mixture until fully coated. Stir in any optional add-ins.
5. Assemble and bake:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes or until puffed and golden, and the center is set.
6. Serve:
   Let cool slightly, then drizzle with maple syrup or icing. Serve warm and enjoy pulling it apart!

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–45 minutes
Total time: approx. 1 hour

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Add sautéed apples and extra cinnamon.
• Berry French Toast: Fold in fresh or frozen berries before baking.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese throughout for a cheesecake-like surprise.
• Chocolate Banana: Add banana slices and chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Overnight Prep: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds. Freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?

Yes! Homemade or store-bought dough works well—just cut into small pieces before mixing.

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

You can, but for best texture, use thicker, sturdier bread like brioche or French bread.

Is this sweet enough without syrup?

It has a nice built-in sweetness, but syrup or a glaze really brings it over the top.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or coconut milk work fine—just choose an unsweetened version.

Do I have to use biscuit dough?

No—torn bread chunks also work beautifully and give more of a custardy center.

Can I add nuts?

Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor.

What’s the best pan size?

A 9×13-inch pan works well. For thicker layers, use a smaller, deeper dish and increase the baking time slightly.

How do I know it’s done?

The top will be golden and puffed, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

Can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the custard and skip the glaze. The natural sweetness of the syrup can carry the dish.

Conclusion

Pull Apart French Toast Bake is a fun and delicious way to serve a classic breakfast dish to a group—without the mess or fuss. With its warm cinnamon flavor, crisp edges, and soft center, it’s sure to become a go-to for weekends, brunches, and holidays. Easy to customize and even easier to love, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

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