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A plate with a slice of french toast and berries

Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Chef Jenn
Baked Cinnamon French Toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s equal parts cozy, sweet, and satisfying. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, weekend gathering, or just to treat yourself on a slow morning, this dish delivers all the comfort of classic French toast without having to stand at the stove flipping slices.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 456 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the casserole:

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter cut into small cubes
  • 1 pecans or walnuts chopped, optional

Instructions
 

  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly into the dish.
  • Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
  • Pour the custard mixture over the bread and gently press the bread with a spatula so it soaks up the liquid evenly.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the sugar mixture until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Add chopped nuts if desired.
  • Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • Use stale bread or toast fresh bread cubes for a firmer texture.
  • Add sliced bananas or berries between the layers for a fruity twist.
  • Make this the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning—it’s a brunch lifesaver.
  • If you like a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 12gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 251mgSodium: 396mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 1063IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 1mg
Keyword baked French toast, cinnamon casserole, French toast casserole, holiday brunch, overnight breakfast
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