French toast is a perfect brunch food, is it not? This mouthwatering matcha-baked french toast recipe is a delicious and easy spin on regular french toast.
Homemade french toast is sweetly satisfying without being over the top. The only thing that is less than perfect about french toast at home is that one person typically has to man the stovetop, shifting and flipping, while everyone else eats – or you opt to eat together, but by that time you're munching on mostly cold toast.
In our opinion, traditional French toast is best for a couple, not a crowd. So what are you to do if you are trying to make french toast for the whole family on Sunday morning? Enter baked french toast.
Have you ever tried baking your french toast instead of pan-searing it?
An easy baked french toast overnight | Healthy baked french toast
Baked French toast has entered the chat. While baked French toast does require a bit more prep time, you end up with the perfect french toast without the stress of standing over the stove. Plus, our baked matcha french toast recipe can be prepared the night before you enjoy it, so all you need to do in the morning is stick it in the oven and EAT.
Good French toast should be crisp on the edges, soft and bready in the middle, and perfectly spiced. This matcha French toast has all of the necessities of classic French toast PLUS the deliciously balanced umami flavor and extra healthful benefits that matcha powder is known for.
We've also topped this French toast with brown sugar, cinnamon, and some extra matcha powder, so you're biting into a glazed and ever so delicately caramelized flavor. What more could you want for your next brunch gathering?
The matcha french toast ingredients you will need:
This recipe does not have a long or complicated ingredient list. You probably already have most of these staple items in your kitchen or can get them easily at a nearby store.
Good bread: The bread you use matters! The better the bread, the better your French toast will be. We love using brioche or challah, but sourdough, French bread, or matcha shokupan (Japanese milk bread) can also work wonderfully.
Eggs: An essential! Eggs are a complete protein source and high in selenium and choline.
Milk: We used almond milk in our recipe but feel free to use the milk you most enjoy. Soy, cashew, and cow's milk would also be good. If opting for cow's milk, we always recommend grabbing whole milk instead of skim or 2%.
Brown sugar: This adds the perfect note of sweetness and helps caramelize the tops of your French toast. Be sure to whisk some into your egg mixture and sprinkle some on top.
Cinnamon: Another essential ingredient for French toast! Cinnamon boasts a long list of health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, as well as improving blood sugar and heart health.
Matcha powder: The star of the show! Adding a touch of matcha elevates your dish and takes it from great to ah-matcha-mazing. Use culinary-grade matcha, and always be sure to sift it.
Ingredients you will need for your baked french toast:
- One cup of milk of your choice (we opted for almond)
- Two teaspoons culinary grade matcha
- Four medium to large eggs (preferably organic)
- One tablespoon of brown sugar
- One heaping teaspoon of cinnamon
- One loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread. About 10-12 slices
- Non-stick spray or olive oil
- A large baking pan to fit your french toast in the oven.
Topping ingredients you will need:
- Three tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ heaping teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon culinary-grade matcha
How to make it | directions for baked matcha french toast
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9X13 baking dish with a non-stick spray or olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, add in your cup of milk and sifted matcha. Whisk until thoroughly combined and no clumps appear.
- Add in your eggs, brown sugar, and cinnamon – whisk again.
- Now take your bread slices, dip each slice of bread into your milk, matcha, and egg mixture and place it on a bake-friendly pan or glass dish. Your soaked bread slices should be close together without overlapping.
- Pour any extra egg mixture over the baking dish/bread slices.
- While your bread is soaking up any extra egg mixture for a few minutes before going in the oven, make your french toast topping.
- In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, sifted matcha, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle your brown sugar/matcha mixture on top of your soaked bread slices and bake for 30 minutes or until eggs are set, and edges are crisp and golden brown.
- Top with fruit, maple syrup, and/or whipped cream.
- Dig in or save and freeze for later!
How to serve and store your matcha french toast | how to reheat
If you want to enjoy your matcha french toast at a later date, you can! If you are looking for a quick way to enjoy your matcha french toast on the go, try wrapping your cooled french toast pieces individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then place in a freezer-friendly container or bag. You can also place multiple pieces of toast together with parchment paper separating them within your aluminum foil or wrap.
You can store your frozen matcha french toast for up to 60 days.
When looking to reheat your french toast, you can use a toaster oven, a regular oven at a high temperature of 400F, or place it directly from the freezer to the microwave (take it out of the aluminum foil of course) and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute – or until your toast is fully warmed through.
The bottom line: Add matcha to your breakfast your way
This recipe is delicious, but you can also get creative with your toppings. Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen! Some ideas are sliced oranges, berries, bananas, whipped cream, or maple syrup. You can also elevate your game by making ginger syrup or adding candied ginger. The possibilities are truly limitless!
Among the tried and true breakfast staples, you may be more of a waffle or pancake person. If that’s the case you HAVE to check out our matcha pancake recipe with pumpkin spice glaze.
Looking for more delicious recipes that add an extra dash of health to your meals with matcha powder? We’ve got you covered!
