French Toast Loaf from Magic Kingdom's Main St Bakery

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If you're a regular Disney park guest, it's pretty likely that you have a favorite (or more!) treats that you just HAVE to have each trip. Typically, it's an item that's unique to Disney or has some sort of memory attached to it. For many of us, a stop at the Main St Bakery on your way towards the castle that first morning at the Magic Kingdom was always a tradition. And several of their goodies were probably on your favorites list! I'm looking at you, giant gooey cinnamon rolls.

This French Toast Loaf is right up there with the cinnamon rolls. Except it disappeared from the bakery a few years ago. And now, with Starbucks moved into the bakery space and bringing it's own baked goods, all the other formerly favorite treats disappeared from Main St.

Thanks to the magic of the internet and Disney cookbooks, you can recreate some of your favorites at home - and none could be as easy as this French Toast Loaf!

Essentially, you layer bread slices with butter and brown sugar, squish it all down, and pour a custard sauce over top and throughout each layer. What you get is a loaf that tastes like french toast - but might I say it's even better? It's absolutely delicious served warm with or without powdered sugar. No wonder it's a fan favorite!

If you close your eyes, and concentrate really hard, you can transport yourself to Main St, watching the parade go, by while you enjoy a slice. Or three.

It's a bit tricky to get the sauce well distributed into all the layers once it's put together; don't hesitate to grab a couple of forks and really lift up each layer.

French Toast Loaf

12 slices homestyle white bread (not thin sandwich bread)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, chilled until ready to use

1 1/3 cup brown sugar

1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

4 large eggs

1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Let the bread slices either air dry for 3-4 hours or lightly toast under the broiler.

Slice the sticks of butter into thin slices and divide them into three equal portions. Keep them chilled until ready to use.

Mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray. Place 3 slices of bread in the bottom; sprinkle 1/3 of the brown sugar mixture over the bread slices and then layer 1/3 of the chilled butter slices. Repeat this step 2 more times and then top with the 3 remaining slices of bread. Squish it all down with the palm of your hand so the bread is not extending above the rim of the pan. 

Whisk the eggs in a medium mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream and whisk well. Whisk in the vanilla and remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Slowly pour this mixture over the loaf a little at a time, making sure it is seeping down in between the layers and soaking into the bread. Use a fork to carefully lift up the bread layers to get it well distributed throughout. 

Cover the loaf first with plastic wrap and then with foil. Place in the fridge to chill overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325. Remove the foil and discard the plastic wrap. Replace the foil and secure it well. Place it on a baking sheet (to catch any spillage) and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. 

Remove and let cool completely. Slice and serve sprinkled with powdered sugar. 

Source: slightly adapted from The Disney Diner 

Check back Sunday for another WDW recipe!

Did you see the other Disney recipes already featured?