This Tres Leches French Toast Casserole makes the ultimately rich and decadent breakfast. It doesn’t get any better than brioche bread soaked in 3 different types of milk and eggs and then baked until golden brown
If you’re a fan of French toast casseroles, you are going to love these recipes too; Berries ‘n Cream French Toast Casserole and Apple Pie French Toast.
Table of Contents
This Tres Leches French Toast Casserole couldn’t be easier to prepare. If you are looking to take your regular French toast up a notch, you must try this recipe. Keep a few cans of condensed milk and evaporated milk in the pantry so you can easily make up this casserole when the mood for an indulgent breakfast hits.
Origin of tres leches cake or torta tres leches
Popular in Latin America, Tres Leche Cake, also known as Torta Tres Leche, is a sponge cake prepared with three kinds of milk; condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whole milk. This type of cake usually turns out light and airy with a rich and moist texture.
Originally from Nicaragua, where it is the country’s national cake, tres leche cake dates as far back as the 19th century. Some theories propose this cake was inspired by English, Italian, and Portuguese soaked cakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple – This recipe is super simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Indulgent – Eating this French toast casserole is like eating Tres Leches cake for breakfast, a true treat, perfect for a special brunch.
Modifiable – Feel free to add cinnamon, spike it with your favorite liqueur, serve with whipped cream, fresh fruit or whatever you are in the mood for.
Ingredients
- Brioche bread – Brioche bread is ideal but challah bread is a good alternative.
- Eggs – Any type of eggs will work in this French toast casserole.
- Condensed milk – Use sweetened condensed milk.
- Evaporated milk – This is not the same as condensed milk. This is canned evaporated milk.
- Heavy cream – Heavy cream adds even more richness to the French toast.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add a pop of color and natural sweetness.
How To Make Tres Leches Brioche French Toast
Step 1: For how to make tres leche custard mixture, whisk all the milk together and then divide in two and set half aside.
Step 2: Add eggs to one half of the milk mixture and whisk well. Use an electric whisk for the best results.
Step 3: Place the bread slices in a baking dish and pour the tres leches mixture that has the eggs mixed in, over the bread slices.
Step 4: Bake the casserole uncovered until the tops are golden brown and the tres leches custard is set. Pour the remaining milk over the French toast, sprinkle with icing sugar (optional), and serve.
Tips and Variations
Add some spice. Sprinkle cinnamon, pumpkin spice mix, or cardamon into the egg and milk mixture. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract.
Make it chocolate. Stir unsweetened cocoa powder into the egg and milk mixture for a chocolate-flavored French toast casserole. Or sprinkle the French toast casserole with chocolate chips before placing it in the oven.
Spike it. Stir in your favorite liqueur like Kahlua, Bailey’s or you can add a splash of rum.
Swap the whole milk. Instead of using whole milk you can add a flavored coffee creamer for more flavor.
Change up the fruit. Instead of making strawberry tres leches use blueberries or raspberries.
FAQs
If your casserole turned out soggy it could be because you used a soft bread. A soft bread may not absorb all the custard that it should, and it might end up soggy.
If you find yourself with a soggy French toast casserole, for whatever reason, try baking it a bit longer until it firms up.
Yes, you can use a challah if you wish or any other bread though the taste and texture may be different.
Yes, French toast casserole will reheat well. You can reheat it in the microwave where it will turn out soft or in the oven when it will get slightly crispier.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make ahead: If you’ve a big crowd coming for brunch and want to prepare this French toast recipe a day or two beforehand you can most definitely do so. Cooked, it will keep in the fridge for a few days. You can also assemble the French toast the night before and just bake it before you want to serve it.
Storage: Leftover French toast casserole can be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if you wish. In the freezer, the leftovers will keep for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
recommended kitchen tools
Pictured in this French Toast recipe is the Emile Henry Pearl Modern Classic, loaf pan (color available in gray)
Ramekins 8 OZ Oven Safe, Ceramic Ramekin Bowls Set of 6 which I use for serving sauces, baking but also to measure/ photograph ingredients. They are super cute and multi-use!
The Porcelain Egg Holder and other tools, appliances and equipment can be found on My Amazon Storefront.
Looking for more breakfast recipes?
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Smoked Salmon Breakfast Casserole
- Ham Egg and Cheese Breakfast Pizza
- Prosciutto Egg Boat
- Roasted Tomato and Asparagus Quiche
RECIPE TIP
Let the unbaked casserole sit for a few minutes so the bread has time to absorb the milk mixture.
Tres Leches French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread sub for challah bread
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- fresh strawberries
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk all the milks (tres leches), then divide the tres leches custard into two. Set 1/2 batch aside.
- To the other half add in eggs and whisk really well. While you can use a hand whisk and some elbow grease, it's best to use an electric whisk.
- Arrange the bread slices onto a baking dish. My loaf was able to fit snuggly into a bread dish. Pour the tres leches half that has the eggs mixed in, over the bread slices.
- Bake at 350F degrees uncovered for 28-30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and tres leches custard is set. Pour the remaining milk mixture over the French toast and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
