Save Festive, bite-sized French toast cubes infused with creamy eggnog, stacked into a charming tree shape—perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.
I first served this at a family brunch and everyone loved the unique presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- French Toast: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz) cut into 1-inch cubes, 4 large eggs, 1 cup eggnog, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Pinch of salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- Decoration & Assembly: 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting), Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches), 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries or cranberries), Maple syrup for serving, Star-shaped fruit or cookie (for tree topper optional), Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Step 2:
- Add bread cubes to the eggnog mixture. Gently toss until cubes are evenly coated. Let soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
- Step 3:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add soaked bread cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and cooked through, about 2 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
- Step 4:
- Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 5:
- Once all bites are cooked, assemble the tree On a large serving platter, arrange bites in concentric circles, stacking to form a tree shape. Use toothpicks or skewers for stability, if desired.
- Step 6:
- Tuck rosemary sprigs between bites to mimic tree branches. Decorate with berries as ornaments. Place a star-shaped fruit or cookie at the top as a tree topper, if using.
- Step 7:
- Dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
Save This recipe always brings joy to our family brunches, creating a memorable holiday moment.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, whisk, large nonstick skillet, spatula or tongs, paper towels, serving platter, toothpicks or small skewers
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten). May contain Tree nuts if using certain bread or toppings. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 295, Total Fat 10 g, Carbohydrates 41 g, Protein 8 g
Save Enjoy these festive French toast bites fresh for the best flavor and texture every holiday season.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Brioche or challah bread cut into cubes is ideal due to its soft texture and slight sweetness, which absorbs the custard well.
- → Can I use plant-based milk instead of dairy?
Yes, substituting with almond or oat milk can work, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
- → How do I keep the bites crispy after cooking?
Drain on paper towels after frying and serve immediately; reheating in a low oven helps maintain crispness if prepared ahead.
- → What spices complement the eggnog infusion?
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm, festive notes, balancing the creamy sweetness of the eggnog.
- → Is there a way to add a festive touch to the bites?
Decorate the stacked bites with fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh berries for a tree-like appearance and seasonal appeal.
- → Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread cubes works well without compromising the overall taste and texture.