Bite-sized French toast cubes infused with eggnog, stacked into a festive tree shape, perfect for holiday gatherings.
# What You Need:
→ French Toast
01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 16 ounces)
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup eggnog
04 - 1/4 cup whole milk
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt
10 - 2 tablespoons 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, such as raspberries, blueberries, or cranberries
14 - Maple syrup for serving
15 - Star-shaped fruit or cookie for tree topper (optional)
16 - Toothpicks or small skewers
# How to Make:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, eggnog, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined.
02 - Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Let soak for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all sides absorb the custard.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. In batches, cook the soaked bread cubes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add additional butter as needed for each batch.
04 - Transfer cooked pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter.
05 - On a large serving platter, arrange the French toast bites in concentric circles stacked to resemble a tree. Use toothpicks or skewers as needed for stability.
06 - Insert fresh rosemary sprigs between the bites to mimic branches. Garnish with fresh berries as ornaments and top with a star-shaped fruit or cookie if desired.
07 - Dust the assembled tree lightly with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Serve immediately alongside maple syrup.
