Indulge in the perfect fusion of peach cobbler and French toast with this delightful recipe. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or craving a special family breakfast, Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Imagine the rich custard soaking into slices of French bread, complemented by the sweet tang of peaches, all topped with a crunchy streusel topping. Let’s dive into how you can bring this mouthwatering dish to your table.
Ingredients:
French Toast:
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 Tbsp. corn syrup
- 1 loaf French Bread, sliced
- 2 (15 ounce) cans Libby’s Sliced Peaches
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup half & half
- 6 eggs
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
- 6 Tbsp. butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅔ cup flour
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
- Prepare the Base: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until blended, stirring frequently. Pour this luscious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Layering: Arrange slices of French bread in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture. Drain the canned peaches and spread them evenly over the bread slices.
- Custard Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together milk, half & half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this decadent mixture over the sliced peaches, ensuring they’re thoroughly soaked. Cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Streusel Topping: Before baking, prepare the irresistible streusel topping. Combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle this delectable mixture evenly over the French toast, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the assembled dish, uncovered, for about one hour, or until the French toast is golden brown and the streusel topping is crisp.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 16
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add a pop of color and freshness to your Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast by garnishing each serving with slices of fresh peaches or a sprinkle of berries.
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, serve each portion with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The combination of maple syrup and peach flavors is simply divine.
- Pair with Whipped Cream: Elevate your breakfast experience by serving a dollop of whipped cream alongside each serving. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping.
- Accompany with Breakfast Sausages or Bacon: For a hearty breakfast spread, serve your Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast alongside crispy breakfast sausages or bacon. The savory elements complement the sweetness of the dish perfectly.
- Serve with a Side of Yogurt: Balance out the richness of the French toast with a side of creamy yogurt. Opt for Greek yogurt for added protein and a satisfying tang.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: If you have a surplus of French toast, you can freeze individual portions for future enjoyment. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen French toast can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven or toaster oven.
- Streusel Topping: To maintain the crispness of the streusel topping, store any leftover streusel separately in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle it over reheated French toast just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Avoid Soggy Texture: To prevent the French toast from becoming soggy during storage, place a paper towel or parchment paper between each slice when storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first. Enjoy the convenience of having a scrumptious breakfast option on hand whenever the craving strikes!
Variations:
- Berry Bliss: Substitute the canned peaches with your favorite berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist on this classic recipe.
- Apple Delight: Swap the peaches for thinly sliced apples and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon for a cozy apple pie-inspired flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds into the streusel topping for an added crunch and nutty flavor profile.
- Chocolate Indulgence: For a decadent treat, sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers of bread and peaches before baking. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence.
- Citrus Zest: Add a burst of citrus flavor by stirring grated lemon or orange zest into the custard mixture. The bright citrus notes will complement the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
- Coconut Paradise: Mix shredded coconut into the streusel topping or sprinkle it over the French toast before baking for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Sensation: Enhance the warm flavors of the dish by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the custard mixture. The spices will add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Maple Pecan: Replace the corn syrup in the base mixture with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans over the streusel topping for a classic combination of flavors.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Dot the French toast with small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese before baking for a creamy, tangy addition.
- Savory Spin: For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon from the custard mixture and instead add grated cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions. Serve with a dollop of sour cream for a savory take on this dish.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned? Yes, fresh peaches can be used instead of canned. Simply peel and slice fresh peaches and layer them as directed in the recipe.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply add the streusel topping and bake it in the morning.
- Can I use a different type of bread? While French bread works best for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of bread such as brioche or challah for slightly different textures.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk and butter alternatives for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
- How can I prevent the streusel topping from burning? If the streusel topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the baking process to prevent burning.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the baked French toast for future enjoyment. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the custard mixture and streusel topping to suit your taste preferences.
- What can I serve with Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast? This dish pairs well with a variety of breakfast sides such as bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad.
- Can I add additional spices to the custard mixture? Yes, feel free to experiment with spices such as cardamom, allspice, or cloves to customize the flavor of the French toast.
- Is this recipe suitable for a brunch buffet? Yes, Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast is perfect for a brunch buffet as it can be assembled ahead of time and easily served to a crowd.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Peach Cobbler Baked French Toast is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Serve it up for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable morning meal. Enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this delightful dish, and savor every blissful bite.
