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

Scale

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