Baked Gingerbread French Toast

By Violet_61

Rich, warm and spicy all at the same time; perfect for Christmas breakfast.

Ingredients

• GINGERBREAD SPICE MIX:
• 2 tblsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tblsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp cloves
• 2 tsp ground allspice
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Blend together and store in a tightly sealed container.
• FRENCH TOAST:
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp. gingerbread spice mix-divided
• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 8 ounces, cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation

Step 1

Stir together melted butter, brown sugar and 1 tablespoon gingerbread spice mix. Spread butter mixture in the bottom of a 9" X 13" baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes over that.

In a small mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Dollop cream cheese mixture over bread cubes as evenly as possible. Top with remaining bread cubes.

In another mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk and vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons of spice mix. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes. With your hands, slightly press down on bread cubes to encourage absorption of egg mixture. Cover with foil and chill in refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, covered. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes, or until top is slightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with maple syrup and/or powdered sugar.