Festive bite-sized French toast cubes infused with eggnog, shaped like a tree, perfect for holiday gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ French Toast
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup eggnog
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk
05 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt
10 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
→ Decoration & Assembly
11 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
12 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree branches)
13 - 1/2 cup fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries)
14 - Maple syrup, for serving
15 - Star-shaped fruit or cookie (optional, for tree topper)
16 - Toothpicks or small skewers
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together eggs, eggnog, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and combined.
02 - Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Let soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, cook soaked bread cubes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for subsequent batches.
04 - Transfer cooked bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess butter.
05 - Arrange the French toast bites on a large serving platter in concentric circles, stacking them into a tree shape. Use toothpicks or skewers to secure layers for stability if necessary.
06 - Insert fresh rosemary sprigs between bites to simulate branches. Adorn with fresh berries as ornaments, and place a star-shaped fruit or cookie on top if desired.
07 - Dust the assembled tree lightly with powdered sugar to mimic snow. Serve immediately alongside maple syrup.
