Name: Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Butter, for greasing; 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread; 8 whole eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste; 1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces; Additional butter, for serving; Warm pancake syrup, for serving; 1 cup fresh blueberries, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

Cinnamon Baked French Toast is a rich and indulgent breakfast casserole made with chunks of crusty bread soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, topped with a buttery cinnamon-sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you want a make-ahead breakfast that feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Crowd-pleasing: Serves multiple people with minimal effort.
Warm, comforting flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla make this feel like a cozy treat.
Versatile toppings: Pair with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Customizable texture: Bake shorter for soft bread pudding, longer for a crisp top.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

French Toast

Butter, for greasing
1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread
8 whole eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces
Additional butter, for serving
Warm pancake syrup, for serving
1 cup fresh blueberries, for serving

Directions

Prepare the French toast: Grease a baking pan with butter. Tear bread into chunks or cut into cubes and place evenly in the pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least several hours).
Make the topping: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store in a resealable bag in the fridge.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge and sprinkle topping evenly over bread.
Bake 45 minutes for a softer, bread pudding texture, or 1 hour+ for a firmer, crispier texture.
Serve: Scoop into portions, top with butter, drizzle with warm syrup, and add fresh blueberries.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 8–10
Prep time: ~15 minutes (+overnight chilling)
Cook time: 45–60 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour (plus chilling)

Variations

Berry swirl: Add raspberries or blackberries between bread layers.
Nut crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips for a dessert-style brunch.
Maple twist: Replace some sugar in the custard with maple syrup.
Savory version: Omit sugars and vanilla, and add cheese, herbs, and cooked bacon.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions briefly.
Freezing: Freeze baked casserole portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I Use A Different Bread?

Yes—brioche or challah work beautifully for a richer flavor.

Do I Have To Let It Sit Overnight?

It’s best for the bread to soak, but you can let it rest at least 2 hours in a pinch.

Can I Use Half-And-Half Instead Of Milk And Cream?

Yes—it will still yield a rich custard.

How Do I Know When It’s Done?

The center should be set and a knife inserted should come out clean.

Can I Make This Without The Topping?

Yes—it will be softer and more bread pudding–like.

What If I Don’t Have A Pastry Cutter?

Use two knives or your fingertips to cut the butter into the topping mixture.

Can I Reduce The Sugar?

Yes—adjust to taste, but note that it will change the sweetness and browning.

Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?

Yes—freeze baked portions for easy future breakfasts.

Can I Add Spices Besides Cinnamon?

Absolutely—try cardamom, pumpkin pie spice, or allspice.

What’s The Best Way To Serve It For Brunch?

Place the baking dish on the table with toppings on the side for guests to customize.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Baked French Toast is an easy, make-ahead breakfast that transforms simple bread and pantry staples into a warm, comforting dish perfect for sharing. With its sweet custard base and crunchy cinnamon topping, it’s a guaranteed hit for holidays, brunch parties, or cozy weekends.

Maggie