If you’re looking for a festive holiday breakfast, you’ve found it! This Cranberry Pear Baked French Toast is delicious, and best of all - can be made ahead of time.

Cranberry Pear Baked French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holiday guests, or even just a cozy weekend at home. Assemble the casserole the night before, and in the morning all you have to do is preheat the oven - that means more time on the couch with coffee and blankets! 

Tart cranberries, sweet pears and brioche bread, and earthy cardamom are enveloped in a sweet custard mixture, and topped with a light streusel topping for texture. This baked french toast celebrates seasonal fruits of autumn and winter, and pairs them with my favorite winter spice, cardamom. Everything comes together in an irresistible combination that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet breakfast dreams. 

Choose pears that are just barely ripe. You want them ready to eat, but still firm, so they don’t break down too much while baking. I like to leave the skin on for added fiber, but you could also choose to peel the pears before dicing. I love using whole, fresh cranberries in the fall and winter. When they bake, they become juicy little bursts of ruby-red tartness! 

With the sweet custard and streusel topping, you can just about eat this baked french toast as-is, but a drizzle of maple syrup takes it over the top!

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