Sunday mornings are made for indulgent breakfasts. I've turned my weekends into a delightful routine filled with all my favorites: a long chat with friends, a relaxing coffee run, some journaling, and tidying the apartment. But the highlight? A cozy and sumptuous breakfast. My latest obsession is this oven-baked Chai Challah French Toast.
I've always loved pancakes and waffles, but now I understand the allure of French toast. I get the hesitation—it sounds elaborate, but it's actually simple. This recipe allows you to prepare it the night before, so when morning comes, all you need is to pop it in the oven while you enjoy your coffee.
Making French Toast in the Oven
While I appreciate skillet French toast, I dread the idea of frying each piece individually. That's where the oven comes in. You'll need a large baking dish. Here are a few tips:
- Grease your dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the custard the night before. Mix the milk and spices, omitting the eggs, and let it steep overnight in the fridge. In the morning, whisk in the eggs, dip the bread, and place it in the dish. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight before baking.
- Baking gives the French toast a crispy top while keeping the inside fluffy. For a more hands-off approach, the oven is your best friend.
Enhancing the Flavor of Your French Toast
The chai spice is what makes this dish special. Its warmth and sweetness add a cozy touch. To maximize flavor, we incorporate chai in several ways.
First, the custard. For a rich chai flavor, steep a chai bag in milk overnight or heat the milk and brew the chai before cooling it. This allows the bread to absorb those comforting spices. Adding both whole and ground spices boosts the flavor even further.
Next, the topping. A brown sugar streusel mixed with cinnamon and cardamom provides a sweet crunch.
Finally, the whipped cream. Spice it up with fresh ground spices for an extra flavor punch. Pair this with a cup of chai for a truly delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions for Challah French Toast
For a delightful breakfast, I love topping my challah French toast with fruit. While I used pine berries, feel free to substitute with strawberries, blueberries, cherries, or pears for a sweet and tangy balance. I recommend drizzling it with syrup and adding whipped cream, but it's also great with granola, sliced almonds, or a dollop of jam. Remember to serve it warm!
Continue below for the recipe. If you try this French toast, don't forget to share your cozy breakfast photos with us!
Description
This French toast offers a delicious twist, making for a simple oven-baked breakfast packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 pods of cardamom, crushed
- 4 cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 2 tea bags of chai
- 4 eggs
- 2 loaves of challah bread, sliced
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons flour
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Prepare the custard by combining the milk, spices, and tea bags in a large container. Let it steep overnight. When ready, remove the tea bags, add the eggs, and whisk.
- Grease a large baking dish. Soak each slice of challah in the custard, then arrange them in the dish. Drizzle any remaining custard over the top.
- Make the crumble by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Combine with brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until crumbly. Sprinkle over the challah. Allow it to soak in the dish for at least an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with syrup and whipped cream. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: overnight minutes
- Cook Time: 30
