When I think of French toast, I imagine myself at my stovetop, flipping each side of the lightly coated bread in my cast iron skillet until both sides are a perfect brown. And, we all know that the key to really good French toast is not burning it. Of course, if you do burn it, sometimes you can scrape the burnt part off, pour the syrup on the toast and still enjoy it right? Well, up until now, that was exactly my thought process until I decided to make my French toast in the oven instead of on the stovetop. It is more like a Brown Sugar Streusel French Toast and I may never return to stovetop French toast again.
Almost ready for the oven Topped with brown sugar streusel…It’s now, ready for the oven!
I love French toast, and I have fallen “head over spatula” with this easy oven recipe and I will tell you why. For obvious reasons, as long as I set my oven timer to the exact time I want to take this delicious dish out of the oven, I never burn anything. I can smell the aroma of the cinnamon and nutmeg before even opening the oven door. As soon as the French toast is ready and I let it cool, I get excited about pouring Maple syrup all over the crumbled top. And if I am feeling really adventurous, I add a dollop of Reddi Whip or Cool Whip, topped with berries. Whether I use strawberries, blueberries or blackberries, all of that sweet deliciousness has me mesmerized. And when I cut the French Toast Streusel with my knife and fork, I am in my own sweet world of total food satisfaction.
Breakfast Edition with Butter and Syrup
This baked Brown Sugar Streusel French Toast requires a good thick piece of bread. I used Challah bread for this recipe but feel free to experiment with all kinds of bread that you like. Brioche and French bread are both thick enough to make good French toast. I love using Challah bread, but it is sometimes hard to find. Not difficult, but challenging. Challah bread is usually a type of bread eaten for Jewish occasions. I have fond memories of my dad using Challah bread to make French toast for me when I came home on weekends from college. Some grocery stores carry it seasonally and when I see it, I get really excited about making this dish.
Dessert Edition with Syrup. (Ice cream, not pictured)
I know that this French Toast Streusel will excite you too, especially your taste buds. It has a moist pudding taste inside and I believe may even be another family and friends’ favorite. My only advice to you: Make more than one pan because it will go quickly. This streusel can stand alone all on its own as a dessert, or be paired with all of your breakfast or brunch favorites. A mimosa or two is my usual drink of choice. It may even be a late night snack if you happen to find yourself roaming in your kitchen at night to grab a bite to eat. It is that good. I am happy to know that this recipe pretty much assures me that I will not burn either side of the bread. And that is Sweet enough for me.