Imagine waking up to a breakfast that transforms ordinary morning meals into a decadent culinary experience! This Sweet Cherry Gingerbread French Toast Bake is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Combining the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with the luscious sweetness of ripe cherries, this dish is about to become your new weekend breakfast obsession. Get ready to elevate your morning routine from mundane to magical!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of gingerbread bread
- 2 cups sweet cherries, pitted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Pit the sweet cherries and cut them in half. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them completely.
- Cut the gingerbread bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter half of the pitted sweet cherries over the bread cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the first layer of bread and cherries, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, followed by the remaining cherries.
- Slowly pour the remaining egg mixture over the top, making sure all bread pieces are saturated.
- Let the dish sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
Tips
- Use day-old gingerbread bread for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
- For maximum flavor, let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before baking to allow bread to fully soak up the egg mixture.
- Choose sweet, ripe cherries for the most intense fruit flavor—fresh is best, but high-quality frozen cherries work well too.
- Cover with foil initially to prevent over-browning and ensure even cooking.
- Check the center of the dish before removing from the oven to ensure it's set and not too soggy.
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a crisp top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 135mg
