Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake (Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free)
Try this Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake gluten-free and dairy-free recipe.
Try this Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake gluten-free and dairy-free recipe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup orange juice
- 4 large eggs
- 1 loaf gluten-free bread left out to dry and cut into cubes* (about 6 1/2 cups)
- 1 1/2 cup milk (i used silk protein & nutmilk)
- 2 tablespoons maple or pancake syrup + additional maple or panca
- dash of cloves
- 1/2 cup frozen or fresh cranberries***
- powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Carbohydrate 5.20466805034912 g
- Cholesterol 282 mg
- Fat 6.74671067318226 g
- Fiber 0.331099994052558 g
- Protein 8.6984374362661 g
- Saturated Fat 2.10027878206392 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (109g)
- Sodium 93.8041025646292 mg
- Sugar 4.87356805629656 g
- Trans Fat 1.16117792312959 g
- Calories 115 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray a 9x13" (or other 3-quart casserole dish) with non-stick cooking spray and arrange bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, orange juice, maple syrup and spices.
- Pour egg mixture over top of the bread, making sure all of the bread gets soaked.
- Scatter cranberries over top, making sure to tuck a few cranberries into the crevices between the bread cubes.
- Let the french toast bake soak at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover with cling wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
- When you're ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Bake for about 30 minutes and until tops are lightly browned - you want the bake to be moist, but no longer liquidy and not dried out either.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and drizzle of maple or pancake syrup.
- Enjoy!
A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon: Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake
Mornings in our house are a whirlwind. Between getting the kids ready for school, packing lunches, and trying to squeeze in a quick workout before heading to work myself, there’s barely a moment to breathe. Breakfast is often an afterthought, a quick grab-and-go affair that leaves everyone feeling less than satisfied. That's why I've become a huge fan of make-ahead breakfasts, especially this Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake. It's delicious, customizable, and best of all, it can be prepped the night before!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. I started experimenting with gluten-free and dairy-free options to accommodate my family's dietary needs and sensitivities. The result? A breakfast dish that’s not only healthy and delicious, but also inclusive for everyone. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange juice and maple syrup, creating a flavor profile that's both sophisticated and comforting.
This isn't your typical soggy french toast. The bread, cubed and soaked overnight, absorbs the custard beautifully, resulting in a texture that's wonderfully moist but not mushy. The cranberries add a burst of juicy sweetness and a pop of color, making it a visually appealing dish as well. And let's not forget the aroma! The entire house fills with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon, orange, and baked bread—guaranteed to wake up even the sleepiest of family members.
Adapting the Recipe to Your Needs:
One of the things I love about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Don’t have gluten-free bread? Use regular bread. Prefer a different type of milk? Go for it! Want to add other fruits, like blueberries or chopped apples? Absolutely! The possibilities are endless. I've even experimented with adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Beyond the Weekend Brunch:
This Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake isn't just for special occasions or weekend brunches. It's a perfect weekday breakfast solution for busy families. The prep work can be done the night before, freeing up precious time in the morning. Simply pop it in the oven while you get everyone else ready, and you'll have a delicious and satisfying breakfast waiting for you all when it's time to eat. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep – make a big batch and portion it out for individual servings throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions:
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to elevate this dish, but you can certainly get creative with toppings! A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup adds an extra touch of indulgence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a decadent dessert!
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and versatile breakfast option that the whole family will love, look no further than this Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake. It's a true game-changer in our busy household, and I have a feeling it will become a favorite in yours, too.
