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Healthier Baked French Toast

December 31, 2022 by Gina +

A healthier baked french toast that’s custardy inside with a light crisp sugary top. It’s something everyone will enjoy, can be made ahead of time, and only requires a few ingredients. It’s a go-to in our house when we want something a little extra special without a lot of fuss.

Jump to Recipe

We are a big breakfast family so having something special we can whip up that’s easy and can be made the night before is a total treat. Take a loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut it into squares, pour over the egg and milk mixture then store in the fridge until morning, and time to bake! It calls for a lot less sugar than a standard baked french toast and we use almond milk in the mix which keeps the whole thing a lot lighter.

For this healthier baked french toast, the bread you use is important. The best is a brioche or challah because it can hold up well. A sourdough would work too. Anything thinner or lighter is just not going to hold up as well. I also use almond milk to keep it lighter but you can use regular milk if you prefer. And for the topping, a coconut and cinnamon mixture is best but you can use regular sugar too if you prefer. I like raw sugar or coconut because they are larger granules and get nice and crispy.

Ingredients needed for healthier french toast


  • Bread loaf – Brioche or Challah work best
  • Almond milk – can sub for regular milk
  • Eggs
  • Maple Syrup
  • Cinnamon
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

How to make Healthier French Toast


  • Cut the bread into big squares. 4 pieces per slice of bread
  • Whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, maple syrup and pinch of salt in a bowl
  • Place the bread into a large greased baking dish. Pour the milk mixture over the bread.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon and coconut sugar mixture over top then bake.
  • OR cover and refrigerate until the next morning and sprinkle sugar then bake

Tips for the Sugar cookie bars


  • Brioche or challah bread works best. Sourdough would work too.
  • I use coconut sugar for the top but regular sugar works too.
  • After pouring over the milk and egg mixture, make sure to get all the bread covered. It soaks up fast so work quickly and gently with a wooden spoon or clean hands.

More recipes like this


  • No Bake mini pumpkin cheesecake
  • Almond flour chocolate chip cookies
  • Apple crumb bars

Healthier Baked French Toast

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 8 large servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar regular sugar works too

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. Cut the slices of bread into 4 squares per slice. Place in a large (8×11) greased baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, 1 tsp of the cinnamon, and pinch of salt. Pour over bread. Using a spoon or clean hands, toss the bread to get each piece coated
  4. If baking right away, mix the 1/2 tsp cinnamon and sugar then top the bread. I usually don't use all the mix but use what you want.
  5. If baking the next morning, cover and store in the fridge. Add the sugar mix right before baking.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes then top with fresh fruit if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipes

Trackbacks

  1. Cottage Cheese Pancakes - Gina Gibson says:
    March 22, 2023 at 11:30 am

    […] Healthier Baked French Toast […]

The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and itโ€™s going to be on repeat all season long.

Itโ€™s everything I want in a potato saladโ€”tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿฅ”
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, hereโ€™s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

Theyโ€™re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and Iโ€™ll send you the recipe!
Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400ยฐF for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes Iโ€™ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and Iโ€™ll send you the full recipe ๐ŸŒฎ

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and itโ€™s going to be on repeat all season long.

Itโ€™s everything I want in a potato saladโ€”tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿฅ”
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, hereโ€™s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

Theyโ€™re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and Iโ€™ll send you the recipe!
Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400ยฐF for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes Iโ€™ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and Iโ€™ll send you the full recipe ๐ŸŒฎ

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.
The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is The first recipe in my Summer Side Dish Series is this creamy herby potato salad, and itโ€™s going to be on repeat all season long.

Itโ€™s everything I want in a potato saladโ€”tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh herbs, a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and just enough mayo to keep it tasting like the classic version we all grew up with.

2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved if large
1 tablespoon pickle brine or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, grated
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 celery rib, finely diced

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Season generously with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Drain well and spread onto a baking sheet.

While still warm, toss potatoes with the pickle brine and Dijon mustard. Let cool for about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add potatoes, bacon, celery, green onions, chives, parsley, and dill. Toss gently until coated.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Finish with extra herbs and bacon right before serving.

Save this one for your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿฅ”
A good way to start the morning. Picked up our ord A good way to start the morning. Picked up our order from @supergoodbagel (order ahead so you can walk in and pickup). Also snagged some darn tasty cookies from @tropbonbakery
Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need s Sandwich season, my favorite season. We all need some good sandwich combos for the beach days, the pool days, the park days, just the warm summer weather. 

For this combination, hereโ€™s what I did:
Butter sourdough then grill on skillet. Add a layer of spread, I used mayo. Top with prosciutto then salami and turkey if you want. Arugula, balsamic glaze, and hot honey. Top with a ball of prosciutto.
If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 If youโ€™re tired of hearing โ€œIโ€™m hungry!โ€ every 15 minutes this summer, make a batch of these Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins.

Theyโ€™re soft, fluffy, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. I love having these on hand for those endless summer snack requests.

Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, oil, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and mini chocolate chips.

Comment BANANA and Iโ€™ll send you the recipe!
Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show Youโ€™ve seen the viral pizza wrap, but let me show you my protein-packed version.

I blended 1/2 cup cottage cheese with 1 egg, a little Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then spread it onto parchment paper. I topped it with turkey pepperoni and baked it until golden and set.

Once it cooled slightly, I stuffed it with a chopped Caesar salad and folded it up like a wrap. The result is crispy, cheesy, packed with protein, and one of my favorite lunches lately.

1/2 cup @good_culture cottage cheese
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch garlic powder
Turkey pepperoni
Chopped romaine
Caesar dressing
Fresh Parmesan

Instructions:
Blend the cottage cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and top with turkey pepperoni. Bake at 400ยฐF for 18-22 minutes or until set and lightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes. Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Fill the wrap with the salad, fold, and enjoy. *make sure you spread it evenly to avoid burning patches.
CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ These might be on CRISPY POTATO TACOS WITH BEEF ๐ŸŒฎ

These might be one of my favorite taco recipes Iโ€™ve made lately. Tacos de papa filling mixed with taco-seasoned beef, stuffed into soft flour tortillas and air fried until golden and crispy.

My boys gobble these up!

Comment TACO and Iโ€™ll send you the full recipe ๐ŸŒฎ

Save this one for your next taco night and follow @gina_gibson_cooks for more easy family dinners.

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