Name: King Cake French Toast: 12 Festive Ways to Celebrate
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 16 oz); 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles

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King Cake French Toast transforms breakfast bliss into a festive treat with layers of bread, creamy custard, and vibrant icing. This delightful dish captures the spirit of Mardi Gras while serving as a mouthwatering brunch option. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging, this recipe delivers a sweet and satisfying experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This King Cake French Toast

This King Cake French Toast recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore it:

Festive and vibrant presentation perfect for celebrations.
Rich and creamy layers that melt in your mouth.
Easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or gatherings.
Great for meal prep; refrigerate overnight for convenience.
Versatile options, like King Cake French Toast with cream cheese or berries.
A unique twist on traditional French toast that brings joy to any table.
Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any brunch gathering.
Can be customized with toppings like whipped cream or icing.

Ingredients for King Cake French Toast

Gather these items:

1 large loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 16 oz)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles

How to Make King Cake French Toast Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Bread and Filling: Arrange half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Soak the Casserole: Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing down gently to ensure thorough soaking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
Step 6: Preheat and Rest: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove baking dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while oven reaches temperature.
Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Cool Briefly: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before icing.
Step 10: Make and Apply Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable consistency. Drizzle icing over the warm casserole and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in festive stripes.
Step 11: Serve: Serve the casserole warm, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or whipped cream.

King Cake French Toast: 12 Festive Ways to Celebrate - King Cake French Toast - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best King Cake French Toast

Keep these in mind:

Use stale bread for a better texture; it absorbs the custard better.
Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit.
Adjust the sweetness of the icing based on personal preference.
This is a vegetarian dish, making it suitable for various diets.

Best Ways to Serve King Cake French Toast

Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

Top with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Perfect for a festive King Cake French Toast for brunch celebration.

How to Store and Reheat King Cake French Toast

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, just until heated through. This is a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Cake French Toast

What’s the secret to perfect King Cake French Toast?

The secret lies in using high-quality bread like brioche or challah, allowing it to soak fully in the custard mixture overnight. This ensures a rich flavor and creamy texture that embodies the essence of Mardi Gras King Cake French Toast.

Can I make King Cake French Toast ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is ideal for make-ahead preparation. Assemble it the night before and let it rest in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next morning for a delightful brunch experience.

How do I avoid common mistakes with King Cake French Toast?

To avoid sogginess, ensure you press down the bread gently when soaking it in the custard. Also, be mindful not to overbake, as this can dry it out.

Variations of King Cake French Toast You Can Try

Here are some unique twists on this delicious recipe:

Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Try a traditional King Cake French Toast by incorporating cinnamon and sugar layers.
For a fruity option, mix in diced apples or pears.
Experiment with different icing flavors, such as almond or maple.

For more delicious recipes, check out these chocolate oatmeal bars or this caramel whiskey bread pudding. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit our last recipes.