White Lace Inn Baked Cherry French Toast: A Breakfast Dream

There are certain dishes that, even before you taste them, evoke a feeling of warmth and comfort. For me, the thought of a baked French toast, especially one studded with bright, sweet cherries, instantly transports me back to chilly mornings in small bed and breakfasts, the air thick with the promise of a decadent start to the day. While I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I first encountered this particular iteration, the combination of buttery bread, rich custard, and bursts of fruit always felt like a culinary hug. It’s a dish that whispers of lazy weekends, shared laughter, and the simple joy of a perfectly executed breakfast.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
• Servings: 10
• Yield: One 9×13 inch pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe calls for a beautiful blend of everyday staples and a few special touches to create a truly memorable breakfast. The foundation is built on two types of bread, which offer a delightful contrast in texture.

• 1 loaf white bread, cut into cubes
• 1/2 loaf French bread, sliced into ten 1-inch thick pieces
• 4 cups frozen cherries, rinsed and drained
• 7 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk will yield the richest results)
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream for an even more decadent custard)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Topping:

The topping is where much of the magic happens, creating a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, custardy interior.

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Equipment Needed

You’ll want to have these essential tools ready to go:

• A 9×13 inch baking pan
• A large mixing bowl
• A whisk
• A spatula or large spoon
• A measuring cup set
• A measuring spoon set
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

The beauty of this baked French toast lies in its make-ahead nature. The overnight soak allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite.

1. Begin by preparing your bread. Cut the loaf of white bread into cubes. Aim for roughly 1-inch pieces, ensuring they are not too small or they might disintegrate.
2. Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan generously to prevent sticking. A good coating of butter or non-stick cooking spray is essential here.
3. Place the bread cubes into the prepared greased pan. Distribute them evenly across the bottom.
4. Spread the frozen cherries over the bread cubes. Try to get an even layer so each bite has a delightful cherry surprise.
5. Next, cut ten 1-inch thick slices of French bread. These slices will form a beautiful top layer, creating a lovely texture contrast.
6. Place these French bread slices over the cherries, arranging them to cover as much of the fruit and white bread as possible.
7. Now, let’s create the custard. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs well until they are thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
8. To the beaten eggs, add the milk, sugar, half-and-half, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Beat again until everything is smoothly incorporated. The aroma of vanilla and spices should be heavenly!
9. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the French bread slices and the bread cubes. Ensure the liquid saturates all the bread. You may need to gently press down on the French bread slices with your spatula to encourage them to soak up the custard.
10. Prepare the topping. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and chopped walnuts. Stir until well blended.
11. Spread this delicious topping evenly over the bread, ensuring it covers the French bread slices and any exposed white bread.
12. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This is the crucial step for achieving perfectly soaked bread.
13. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Remove the cover from the baking pan. Bake the French toast uncovered for 50-60 minutes.
15. For the last 15 minutes of baking, cover the pan with aluminum foil. This step is vital to prevent the topping from becoming too dark or burning while the inside finishes cooking through.
16. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the custard to firm up, making it easier to serve.
17. Slice into 10 servings and enjoy this delightful breakfast treat.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating a classic dish often comes down to a few thoughtful details. Here are some insights to make your White Lace Inn Baked Cherry French Toast even more spectacular:

• Bread Choice: While the recipe specifies white bread and French bread, consider using day-old brioche or challah for an even richer, more tender result. The slight staleness helps them absorb more custard without becoming mushy.
• Cherry Power: If you’re not a fan of cherries, feel free to substitute with other frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or a mix. Just ensure they are rinsed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
• Custard Consistency: If you find your custard mixture a bit thin, it’s perfectly normal. The bread will absorb it beautifully overnight. However, if you prefer an even richer custard, you can use an extra egg yolk.
• Topping Texture: For an extra crunch, toast your walnuts lightly before adding them to the topping mixture. This deepens their flavor and ensures they stay crisp.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: This dish is designed for overnight preparation, making it ideal for holidays or when hosting guests. Just assemble, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your French toast during the last 20 minutes of baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, go ahead and cover with foil a little earlier. The goal is a golden-brown, bubbling masterpiece.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This baked cherry French toast is a star on its own, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can take it to the next level.

• Serving: Serve warm directly from the pan. A drizzle of maple syrup or a side of fresh berries complements its sweetness beautifully. For a truly indulgent experience, consider a side of crispy bacon or a light fruit salad.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate and microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	704 kcal
Calories from Fat	255 kcal
Total Fat	28.3 g	43%
Saturated Fat	11.6 g	58%
Cholesterol	191 mg	63%
Sodium	642 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	100.2 g	33%
Dietary Fiber	4.9 g	19%
Sugars	56.2 g	112%
Protein	15.6 g	31%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

• Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from the topping. The brown sugar and butter mixture will still provide a wonderful caramelization.
• Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, use your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free half-and-half alternative. For the topping, use a plant-based butter substitute.
• Fruit Medley: Don’t limit yourself to just cherries! A mix of berries, peaches, or even diced apples can add a different dimension of flavor.
• Spice It Up: For a warmer spice profile, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a touch of ginger to the custard mixture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries. You may want to reduce the amount of milk slightly in the custard as fresh cherries release more juice.

Q: My topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil once the topping reaches your desired color, and continue baking. This will protect it from burning while the inside cooks through.

Q: How do I know when the French toast is done baking?
A: The French toast should be puffed up, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The custard should be set.

Q: Can I make this entirely gluten-free?
A: You can attempt to make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free loaf bread and gluten-free French bread. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Q: Is it okay to skip the overnight refrigeration?
A: While you can bake it without refrigerating overnight, the bread won’t absorb as much of the custard, resulting in a less tender and flavorful dish. The overnight soak is highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

This White Lace Inn Baked Cherry French Toast is more than just a breakfast recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moments, and indulge in something truly special. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning with loved ones, its comforting flavors and satisfying textures are sure to create lasting memories. I encourage you to try it, perhaps on a leisurely weekend morning, and discover the delightful charm of this classic breakfast reimagined. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – your culinary adventures are always a pleasure to hear about!