Cinnamon Baked French Toast: The Ultimate Comfort Breakfast
An overnight chill yields a soft, custardy center topped by a buttery streusel crust.
Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Make-Ahead Comfort Breakfast
Cinnamon baked French toast is an irresistible breakfast casserole that combines the familiar flavors of classic French toast with a decadent cinnamon-sugar streusel topping. It’s a make-ahead dish that’s perfect for cozy weekends, special occasions, or feeding a crowd. From the soft custardy center to the crunchy cinnamon topping, this breakfast bake has become a staple for home cooks who crave both convenience and comfort food flavor.
What Is Cinnamon Baked French Toast?
This recipe transforms traditional French toast into a rich, oven-baked casserole. Chunks of crusty bread are soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, refrigerated overnight for maximum flavor and texture, then baked beneath a buttery, cinnamon-streusel topping. The finished dish offers a contrast of textures: soft and custardy on the inside, golden and crunchy on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead convenience: Prep the night before, bake in the morning.
- Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd easily with minimal last-minute work.
- Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or swap bread types for variety.
- Warm, comforting flavor: Features cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and a buttery topping.
- No standing at the stove: Bake once for a hands-off breakfast.
Ingredients
The recipe is divided into two main components: the French toast base and the cinnamon streusel topping.
French Toast Base
- 1 loaf crusty French bread or sourdough (day-old is best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Butter for greasing pan and serving
- Optional: 1 cup fresh blueberries (for garnish)
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into pieces
Servings: This recipe serves 10–12 people, making it perfect for brunch parties or holiday breakfasts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan generously with butter. Tear or cut the French bread into 1–2-inch chunks (stale or day-old bread is ideal for soaking up custard without becoming soggy) and distribute evenly in the pan.
2. Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this rich custard evenly over the bread pieces. Gently press the bread into the liquid so it soaks up the mixture.
3. Chill and Rest
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours is best)—this allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and develop its flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can bake as soon as the bread has soaked for about 30–60 minutes, but overnight yields the best texture.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of grated nutmeg if using. Add the cold butter pieces and cut in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs or pebbles. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
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5. Bake the French Toast
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the pan from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, depending on your desired texture:
- Less time (around 45 min): Soft, bread pudding-like center.
- Longer bake (up to 1 hour): Firmer, crisper texture.
6. Serve
- Scoop out generous portions and serve hot.
- Top with extra butter, warm maple or pancake syrup, and fresh blueberries if desired.
- Cinnamon baked French toast pairs beautifully with whipped cream, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Bread choices: Sturdy breads like French, sourdough, brioche, or challah work best. Avoid thin sandwich bread, as it may become too mushy.
- Customize streusel: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or swap cinnamon for cardamom.
- Sweetness levels: Adjust sugar (or use honey or maple syrup) if you prefer a less sweet casserole.
- Fruit add-ins: Mix in diced apples, berries, or dried fruit before chilling.
- For single servings: Divide into smaller ramekins and bake individually (shorter bake time).
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Sugar | 22g |
(Values may vary by bread type and toppings.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make cinnamon baked French toast ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, chilling the casserole overnight allows the bread to absorb the custard for the best flavor and texture. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. If pressed for time, a minimum 60-minute soak will still yield good results.
Q: Can I use gluten-free bread?
A: Absolutely. Use your favorite sturdy gluten-free loaf—just ensure it’s crusty enough to hold up during soaking and baking.
Q: How do I keep leftovers?
A: Store covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm through.
Q: What other toppings pair well?
A: Try whipped cream, fruit compote, caramel sauce, or Greek yogurt. Nuts and a sprinkle of powdered sugar add crunch and contrast.
Q: Can I freeze cinnamon baked French toast?
A: Yes. Wrap cooled portions tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a fruit salad for brunch.
- Serve as a holiday breakfast centerpiece—Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, or any special morning.
- Create a DIY topping bar: offer syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, and nuts.
How to Make Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Quick Reference
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Prep Bread | Tear/cut, arrange in pan, grease pan |
| Mix Custard | Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla |
| Soak | Pour over bread, chill overnight |
| Streusel | Mix topping ingredients, refrigerate |
| Bake | Sprinkle topping, bake at 350°F for 45–60 min |
| Serve | Butter, syrup, berries |
Expert Tips from the Kitchen
- Use day-old bread for optimal texture; fresh bread may turn mushy.
- If your bread is soft, toast cubes briefly in the oven before assembling.
- For maximum crunch, bake uncovered and extend cook time for a crispier top.
- Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving for bakery-style aroma.
Recipe Variations
- Berry French Toast: Layer fresh or frozen berries between bread cubes before adding custard.
- Apple Cinnamon Bake: Stir in diced apples with the bread.
- Pecan Streusel: Mix chopped pecans into the topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread mixture for a dessert-like treat.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside
- Fruit salad: Brighten the plate with fresh oranges, strawberries, or melon.
- Coffee or tea: The rich flavors in the French toast complement hot drinks perfectly.
- Breakfast meats: Salty bacon, ham, or turkey sausage balance the sweetness.
Feedback and Sharing
This cinnamon baked French toast has earned a loyal following for its ease, flavor, and make-ahead convenience. If you try this recipe, share your results on social media or in the comments! It’s a kitchen classic you can return to again and again—and personalize each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the recipe be halved?
A: Yes, halve all ingredients and use a smaller baking pan (such as 8 x 8 inches).
Q: What do I do if the top browns too quickly?
A: Cover loosely with foil during baking if needed, then uncover for the last 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use almond milk or non-dairy cream?
A: Yes, substitutes work; texture may change slightly. Adjust sweetness if desired.
Conclusion: Why Cinnamon Baked French Toast Is a Brunch Classic
A warm pan of cinnamon baked French toast is the ultimate comfort breakfast—crisp, creamy, easy to customize, and always crowd-pleasing. With simple ingredients, overnight prep, and mouthwatering aroma, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable morning meal. Make it your own, serve it for celebrations, and enjoy the delicious start to any day!
References
- https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/cinnamon-baked-french-toast-from-the-pioneer-woman/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10733/baked-french-toast/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hNd-JXV44E
- https://imhungryforthat.com/pioneer-woman-french-toast-casserole/
- https://www.recipe-diaries.com/baked-french-toast/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8921/cinnamon-baked-french-toast/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH9gI6a7V80
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