Spelt Cinnamon Pear French Toast Bake: Soft and Golden

Spelt Cinnamon Pear French Toast Bake turns day-old spelt bread, sliced pears, and a cinnamon custard into one baked casserole. You mix the custard, pour it over the bread and fruit, then bake until the center sets and the top turns golden.

Spelt gives the bake a nuttier flavor than white bread and holds its shape once soaked. Pick pears that are ripe but still a bit firm, since very soft pears turn mushy once baked.

This bake works for a slow breakfast or a casual brunch. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, which keeps the prep light on a busy day.

The texture stays soft in the center and slightly crisp on top, with the pears adding natural sweetness so you don't need much added sugar.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Assemble the night before and bake in the morning
Spelt bread holds its shape without turning soggy
Ripe pears add sweetness without much added sugar
One dish feeds a crowd for a casual brunch

Cook pouring cinnamon custard over cubed spelt bread and sliced pears in a glass baking dish before baking.

Ingredient Notes

spelt bread: Day-old bread works best since it soaks up custard without falling apart. A sourdough spelt loaf works well too.
pears: Pick ripe but firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. Very soft pears turn mushy once baked.
heavy cream: Adds richness to the custard. Swap for whole milk for a lighter bake.
brown sugar: Gives a light caramel note to the custard and topping. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
pecans: Optional topping for crunch. Walnuts work as a swap, or leave them out entirely.

Close-up of a plated slice of pear French toast bake on a linen napkin with a coffee cup in soft morning light.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking Method: Oven

Cuisine: American

Courses: Breakfast

Difficulty: Easy

Cooking Temp: 180 C

Servings: 8

Estimated Cost: 1.60

Calories: 386

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains gluten, contains nuts, contains-eggs, Vegetarian

Description

This baked custard casserole layers cubed spelt bread with cinnamon-spiced pears, then bakes until set in the center and golden on top.

Ingredients

500 g spelt bread, cubed (day-old works best)
3 pears (medium (about 450 g); ripe but firm, sliced 1 cm thick)
5 eggs (large)
500 ml whole milk
120 ml heavy cream
90 g brown sugar (divided between custard and topping)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
40 g butter, melted (divided, plus extra for greasing)
50 g pecans, chopped (optional topping)

Instructions

1
Heat the oven to 180 C / 350 F. Grease a 33 x 23 cm / 9 x 13 inch baking dish with a little of the melted butter.
2
Cut the spelt bread into 3 cm cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. Slice the pears about 1 cm thick and tuck the slices between the bread cubes.
3
Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, half the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
4
Pour the custard evenly over the bread and pears. Press down gently with a spatula so every cube soaks up some liquid.
5
Let the dish sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
6
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar and the chopped pecans over the top, then drizzle with the remaining melted butter.
7
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center no longer jiggles and reaches 160 F / 71 C, and the top turns golden.
8
Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 386kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g33%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 360mg15%
Potassium 280mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 54g18%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 20g
Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 400 IU
Vitamin C 4 mg
Calcium 120 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin D 20 IU
Vitamin E 1 mg
Vitamin K 3 mcg
Thiamin 0.2 mg
Riboflavin 0.2 mg
Niacin 2 mg
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
Folate 30 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.4 mcg
Phosphorus 150 mg
Magnesium 30 mg
Zinc 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

Let the bake rest 10 minutes before slicing so the custard sets.
Grease the dish well since the custard sticks once baked.
Dry fresh bread cubes for 10 minutes in a low oven if not using day-old bread.
Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast before the center sets.

Keywords: spelt french toast bake, cinnamon pear bake, spelt breakfast casserole, make-ahead french toast

Equipment

33 x 23 cm / 9 x 13 inch baking dish
large mixing bowl
whisk
measuring cups and spoons
instant-read thermometer

Tips

Use bread that's a day or two old so it soaks up the custard without turning soggy.
Slice pears about 1 cm thick so they soften evenly without disappearing into the custard.
Press the bread down gently after pouring the custard so every cube gets soaked.
Cover and chill the assembled bake overnight if you want it ready to go in the morning.
Check the center at 40 minutes; if it still jiggles, bake for 5 more minutes before pulling it out.

Variations

Swap pears for sliced apples and add a pinch of clove for a fall-leaning version.
Use oat milk and coconut cream instead of dairy for a dairy-free custard base.
Add 50 g dried cranberries between the bread cubes for tart bursts of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Spelt Cinnamon Pear French Toast Bake keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Cover the dish tightly or move leftovers to an airtight container once it cools to room temperature.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 160 C / 320 F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. The top won't stay as crisp as it was fresh, but the center stays soft.

Freezing works for up to 2 months. Wrap cooled portions tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Spelt Cinnamon Pear French Toast Bake works on its own with a drizzle of maple syrup over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a simple finish for a brunch table.

Pair it with plain yogurt or a side of crisp bacon to balance the sweetness. Coffee or spiced tea rounds out the meal for a slow morning.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-cinnamon-pear-french-toast-bake/

Valentina

A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!