Marian Evoniuk | Pedernales EC

Brioche coated in a creamy eggy mixture, baked until golden and topped with whipped cream, bananas and caramel is the only gift I want this holiday season.

—Vianney Rodriguez, Food Editor

French Toast Bake
6 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 loaf brioche, sliced and cubed

Topping
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large bananas, sliced
Caramel sauce

1. French Toast Bake Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, lemon juice, cinnamon and salt. Add brioche and stir to coat. Pour into prepared baking dish.

3. Place baking dish on center rack of oven and bake 30–40 minutes, until mixture is set, puffy and light golden brown on top. Tent loosely with foil if top is browning too quickly. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

4. Topping In a large bowl, combine 2 cups heavy cream, powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat at medium-high until soft peaks form. Set aside.

5. To serve, cut the bake into squares and top with a large dollop of whipped cream, banana slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Serves 4–6.