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Baklava French Toast Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 99 reviews

This Baklava French Toast Bake combines the rich flavors of classic baklava with the comforting texture of a baked French toast casserole. Layers of brioche and crispy phyllo are soaked in a spiced custard, studded with crunchy walnuts and pistachios, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a luscious honey-orange glaze. Perfect for a decadent brunch or special occasion breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Phyllo

  • 8 thick slices brioche or challah (about 1‑inch thick)
  • 6 sheets phyllo pastry, torn into bite‑size pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Custard

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of sea salt

Nuts

  • 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped

Honey-Orange Glaze

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9‑x‑13‑inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Arrange bread and phyllo: Place the eight thick slices of brioche in a single even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Toss the torn phyllo pieces with melted butter to coat them evenly, then sprinkle this buttery phyllo over the bread slices to add texture and crispiness.
  3. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy to fully combine the flavors and incorporate air for a light custard.
  4. Add nuts and pour custard: Evenly scatter the chopped walnuts and pistachios over the phyllo-covered bread. Slowly pour the prepared custard over the entire dish, allowing it to penetrate through the layers. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard mixture well.
  5. Prepare honey-orange glaze: While the custard soaks, combine honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and ground cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly, about 4 minutes, to enhance the flavor with a sticky citrus sweetness.
  6. Bake and drizzle glaze: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Halfway through baking, carefully drizzle half of the honey-orange glaze over the top to infuse flavor and moisture.
  7. Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the glaze to set properly. Cut into squares and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with optional Greek yogurt, extra honey, or fresh orange segments to complement the dish.

Notes

  • Use thick slices of brioche or challah for best texture and flavor absorption.
  • Toast nuts lightly before chopping if you prefer enhanced nuttiness.
  • Phyllo pastry can dry out quickly; keep it covered with a damp towel while tearing.
  • Letting the custard soak ensures the bread is thoroughly infused but don’t soak too long to avoid sogginess.
  • Honey-orange glaze can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before drizzling.
  • Serve with Greek yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced and refreshing contrast.

Keywords: baklava inspired French toast, spiced custard bake, nutty breakfast casserole, honey orange glaze, phyllo French toast bake

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/baklava-french-toast-bake-recipe/