Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a warm, comforting breakfast perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Layers of cinnamon bread soaked in a rich, spiced custard come together in a simple bake that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Topped with crunchy pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 6 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ loaves cinnamon bread (about 14 slices)
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- Maple syrup, for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a pastry brush, coat the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: Quickly dip each slice of cinnamon bread into the egg mixture to coat, then arrange them in the buttered baking dish, staggering the slices as needed to fit.
- Step 4: Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread in the dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
- Step 5: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the top begins to brown and the edges are set. The inside will remain soft and custardy; bake a few minutes longer if you prefer it more firm.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup. Add powdered sugar or other toppings if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Use brioche or challah bread instead of cinnamon bread for a milder, buttery flavor.
- Prepare the night before by assembling the dish and refrigerating overnight, then bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Add fresh berries or sliced bananas as additional toppings for extra flavor and color.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or even French bread work well. Using cinnamon bread adds extra spice, but you can adapt according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your preferred plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to coat the baking dish.
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Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy and indulgent breakfast casserole that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. Featuring layers of cinnamon bread soaked in a rich custard mixture with pecans for added crunch, this baked French toast is easy to prepare and serves a crowd. Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet finish and enjoy warm, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Bread and Toppings
- 1 ½ loaves cinnamon bread (about 14 slices)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- Maple syrup, as desired for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted salted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This custard will soak into the bread, giving it a rich and tender texture.
- Dredge the Bread: Quickly dip each slice of the cinnamon bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not overly saturated. Arrange the slices upright and staggered in the prepared baking dish to fit all pieces.
- Add Remaining Custard and Pecans: Pour any leftover custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top to add a delightful crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and cooked through. The bottom may remain soft and custardy; bake a few extra minutes if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with your favorite additional toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Use day-old bread for better absorption without becoming soggy.
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- This dish can be prepared the night before by assembling the casserole, covering it, and refrigerating; bake in the morning adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon French Toast Bake, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, cinnamon bread recipe, easy brunch, holiday breakfast
