Save to Pinterest Festive, bite-sized French toast cubes infused with creamy eggnog, stacked into a charming tree shape—perfect for holiday brunch gatherings.
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Ingredients
- French Toast: 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- French Toast: 4 large eggs
- French Toast: 1 cup eggnog
- French Toast: 1/4 cup whole milk
- French Toast: 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- French Toast: 1 tsp vanilla extract
- French Toast: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- French Toast: 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- French Toast: Pinch of salt
- French Toast: 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
- Decoration & Assembly: 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Decoration & Assembly: Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches)
- Decoration & Assembly: 1/2 cup fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries)
- Decoration & Assembly: Maple syrup, for serving
- Decoration & Assembly: Star-shaped fruit or cookie (for tree topper, optional)
- Decoration & Assembly: Toothpicks or small skewers
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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 23 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
- Step 4:
- Transfer cooked French toast bites to a paper towellined 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.
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Save to Pinterest Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Use brioche or challah for a rich texture and slight sweetness, but thick-cut white bread is also suitable.
- → Can I prepare the bites ahead of time?
Yes, cook in advance and reheat gently in a low oven to maintain their crispiness and warmth.
- → How do I assemble the tree shape safely?
Arrange the cooked bites in concentric circles and use toothpicks or skewers to stabilize the layers while adding rosemary sprigs and berries as decorative accents.
- → Are there variations to the custard soak?
You can add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon for an adult version or substitute whole milk with dairy-free alternatives if desired.
- → What is the best way to serve these bites?
Serve warm with maple syrup on the side and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive, sweet finish.
