Baked Apricot French Toast with Crunchy Corn Flake Streusel

An overnight soak in apricot-almond custard creates a meltingly soft, creamy interior for this baked French toast dish, while the corn flake crumb topping offers a crisp contrast. This recipe works equally well with peach preserves and nectar. Serve with pure maple syrup.

For the French toast

• Softened unsalted butter, for the baking dish
• 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup whole or low-fat milk
• 1 cup apricot nectar
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1 1-lb. loaf day-old challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch-thick slices (discard the ends)

For the topping

• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 2 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
• Pinch table salt

The night before

Assemble the French toast
Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Whisk the eggs, milk, apricot nectar, almond extract, and salt in a large, wide bowl. Spread a thin layer of apricot preserves on one side of each slice of bread and then dip both sides of each slice in the custard. Arrange the slices jam side up in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary. Pour any remaining custard over the bread and gently press the bread into the custard. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for 4 to 18 hours.

Make the topping
In a large bowl, stir the butter with a silicone spatula until smooth. Add the corn flakes, sugar, cinnamon, almond extract, and salt. Using your fingertips, work the mixture until it forms pea-size clumps. Cover the bowl and refrigerate.

In the morning

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Uncover the baking dish and press down gently on the bread to absorb any custard on the bottom of the dish. Scatter the topping over the bread, re-cover with the foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until puffy and golden, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.