French Toast Soufflé

by
French Toast Soufflé

Introduction

French Toast Soufflé is a delightful twist on traditional French toast, offering a luxurious and elegant breakfast or brunch dish that will impress both family and guests. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of a soufflé with the delicious flavors of classic French toast, delivering a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend brunch or searching for a unique dish to serve at a special occasion, this French Toast Soufflé is sure to be a hit.

Detailed Ingredients

To make this decadent French Toast Soufflé, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup half-and-half cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or lightly oiling it.
  2. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and eggs until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in the milk, half-and-half, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are evenly coated.
  6. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let the bread soak up the custard mixture.
  7. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  8. To prepare the topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the bread and custard.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the soufflé is puffed and golden brown.
  11. Allow the soufflé to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally drizzled with additional maple syrup or sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Notes

You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few tips:

  • If you prefer, you can use brioche or challah bread instead of French bread for a richer flavor.
  • For a lower calorie version, substitute the half-and-half with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative.
  • Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits such as berries or sliced bananas into the bread mixture before baking.
  • This dish can also be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning to save time.

Cook Techniques

Understanding a few cooking techniques can help ensure your French Toast Soufflé turns out perfectly:

  • Soaking Time: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture ensures that each piece is fully saturated, contributing to a creamy and uniform texture.
  • Even Baking: Cover the dish with foil for the first 20-30 minutes if you notice the top is browning too quickly to avoid overcooking.
  • Temp Accuracy: Using an oven thermometer ensures your oven is at the correct temperature, especially since soufflés can be sensitive to incorrect heat.
  • Bread Arrangement: Arrange bread pieces evenly and close together to avoid inconsistencies in texture.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with this recipe:

Can I use stale bread for this recipe?

Yes, in fact, slightly stale bread works better as it soaks up the custard mixture more effectively