This Baked Peach French Toast is a delightful make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings. Layers of soft bread soaked in a sweet vanilla-cinnamon custard, paired with juicy peaches, create a warm and comforting dish. Assemble it the night before and simply bake in the morning—easy, delicious, and sure to please both kids and adults alike.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 (14–16 oz) loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 5 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, sliced (drained if using canned)
• Optional: powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Layer the bread and peaches: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Top with half of the peach slices. Repeat with remaining bread and peaches.
3. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and peaches. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
5. Chill overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Drizzle melted butter on top.
7. Cook: Bake for 40–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set. Cover loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes if browning too quickly.
8. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Nutrition Facts 

• Calories: 315
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 270mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 9g
• Vitamin A: 10% DV
• Vitamin C: 6% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

Nutritional Benefits of Baked Peach French Toast

Baked Peach French Toast offers a mix of essential nutrients thanks to its diverse ingredients. Peaches provide vitamins A and C, which support skin and immune health, while eggs contribute high-quality protein and key nutrients like choline and B12. Whole milk and cream add calcium for bone strength. Though the recipe contains sugars and fats, when consumed in moderation, it can be a fulfilling meal that fuels the body with a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Opting for fresh peaches and whole grain bread can further enhance its nutritional value.

Why It’s a Great Make-Ahead Breakfast

One of the biggest advantages of Baked Peach French Toast is its make-ahead convenience. By preparing it the night before, all the ingredients have time to soak and develop flavor, resulting in a rich, custard-like texture. This is particularly useful for busy mornings, brunch parties, or holiday breakfasts when time is limited. Just take it out of the refrigerator in the morning, bake, and serve. It eliminates stress and allows more time to relax with family or guests.

Flavor Profile and Texture

This dish strikes a delightful balance between sweet, fruity, and warmly spiced flavors. The custard is infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving it a cozy aroma and taste. The peaches add natural sweetness and a soft bite, while the baked top offers a golden, slightly crisp layer. Underneath, the bread becomes custardy and tender, soaking up all the rich, creamy liquid. Together, these textures create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent without being too heavy.

Ingredient Substitutions and Healthier Alternatives

There are many ways to adjust this recipe based on dietary needs or preferences. For a healthier version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of cream. Whole grain or multigrain bread can increase the fiber content, while coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used in place of refined sugars. Those who are lactose-intolerant can substitute with plant-based milk and cream alternatives. For added nutrients, consider adding chia seeds or flaxseeds into the custard mixture.

Creative Variations

The base of Baked Peach French Toast lends itself well to experimentation. You can switch out peaches for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, apples, or plums. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top before baking introduces a pleasant crunch. A few dollops of cream cheese between the bread layers create a cheesecake-like twist. Spices like cardamom or ginger can replace cinnamon for a more exotic flair. Even swapping the bread with croissants or brioche can elevate the texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Baked Peach French Toast warm, straight out of the oven, for the best experience. It pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. For a more indulgent breakfast or brunch, add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt on top. A light side of scrambled eggs or crispy bacon can provide savory contrast, rounding out the meal. For beverages, serve it alongside freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice.

Pairing with Seasonal Ingredients

This dish is highly seasonal and works especially well with summer or late-summer fruits. Fresh peaches during peak season add the most flavor and juiciness. In the fall, you can pair it with spiced apples or pears for a seasonal twist. Using herbs like basil or mint as garnish adds a touch of freshness and complexity. Consider accompanying the dish with a seasonal fruit salad or even a spiced cider in colder months for a festive, well-rounded breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For best results, reheat individual servings in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F until warmed through, which helps maintain a crispy top. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave also works, though it may soften the texture. Baked Peach French Toast also freezes well—simply wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until heated.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing Qualities

This recipe is popular with children due to its sweet and fruity flavor, custardy texture, and eye-catching presentation. It’s easy to portion and serve, making it ideal for sleepovers, birthday brunches, or casual family get-togethers. For picky eaters, you can adjust the fruit or even add chocolate chips for a fun variation. Since it can be prepped ahead and requires no last-minute cooking stress, it’s also a win for parents hosting guests or planning a relaxing weekend breakfast.

Why It’s Ideal for Special Occasions

Baked Peach French Toast is a showstopper on any breakfast table. Its golden crust, colorful peach slices, and aromatic spices make it a visually appealing and celebratory dish. Whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or a bridal shower, this recipe delivers on both taste and presentation. You can even assemble it in decorative baking dishes to match your theme or occasion, turning a simple breakfast into a memorable experience.

Conclusion

Baked Peach French Toast is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing, and comforting meal that brings people together. Its rich flavor, easy preparation, and adaptability make it suitable for everyday meals as well as special celebrations. With so many options for customization, storage, and pairing, this dish fits seamlessly into any lifestyle or dietary plan. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a quiet morning indulgence, it’s a recipe worth making again and again.