Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a warm, comforting breakfast dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of soft, custardy bread cubes drenched in a rich cinnamon-infused egg mixture, baked to golden perfection with a sweet buttery brown sugar base. This casserole is not just a treat for the taste buds but also beautifully aromatic, filling your kitchen with heavenly cinnamon and vanilla scents that promise a delightful morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the crusty French bread that soaks up the custard to the luscious brown sugar and butter base.
- ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz) cut into cubes: This provides the perfect sturdy yet soft foundation to soak up all the custardy goodness.
- ½ cup butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps create that irresistible caramelized sugar bottom.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Offers deep molasses sweetness that complements the cinnamon wonderfully.
- 6 eggs: The key to a silky custard that holds the casserole together perfectly.
- 2 cups milk: Adds moisture and lightness to the custard mixture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and balances the cinnamon with a fragrant note.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided: The star spice that infuses both the custard and topping with warm spice.
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar for topping: Adds an extra crunch and caramelization on top.
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional): A light dusting for that classic, bakery-style finish to charm your guests.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which will ensure a beautifully browned and slightly crisp top. While it warms, generously butter a 13×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and add an extra touch of richness to the base.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture
Gently melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth. Add the brown sugar and keep stirring until it fully dissolves into a luscious syrup. Pour this golden mixture evenly into the bottom of your buttered baking pan — this layer caramelizes during baking, creating that delectably sweet, sticky crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Cubes
Next, evenly scatter the cubed French bread over the melted brown sugar and butter base in the pan. These cubes will absorb the custard, so try to spread them out without overlapping too densely to ensure each piece is perfectly infused.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk six eggs with two cups of milk, vanilla extract, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. This custard mixture is where the magic happens: eggs provide richness, milk creates creaminess, cinnamon imparts warmth, and vanilla ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Pour Custard Over Bread and Add Topping
Slowly pour your cinnamon-laced custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure each cube gets soaked. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and the tablespoon of brown sugar across the top for a fragrant, crunchy finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it — the top should be golden brown, slightly bubbly, and irresistibly inviting. It’s the perfect balance of firm edges and soft, custard-soaked centers.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, delicate sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the caramelized top. For extra flair, consider a handful of fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint, or a simple fresh fruit salad to add brightness and freshness to your breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe straight from the pan for a comforting, family-style approach or cut into individual portions and plate with a sprig of mint and berries for an elegant brunch presentation that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole retains its flavor well, and chilling actually helps it firm up for easy slicing the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy top and creamy inside, unlike microwaving, which can sometimes make the texture a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its texture and sturdiness, you can substitute with brioche or challah for an even richer, buttery flavor that soaks up the custard beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative to create a delicious dairy-free version of this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe.
How far in advance can I prepare the casserole before baking?
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate before baking; this also allows the bread to soak up more custard, enhancing the flavor even further.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, and fresh or dried fruit like apples, raisins, or cranberries mix in great for added texture and flavor bursts.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar for topping?
If you prefer, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream can be wonderful alternatives to powdered sugar to finish your casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any breakfast or brunch table. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a favorite you’ll want to share over and over. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and treat yourself to this irresistibly cozy casserole today!
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish featuring French bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection over a rich brown sugar and butter base. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for topping
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to get ready for the casserole assembly.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved and smooth. Pour this warm sugar and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer in the baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, allowing them to soak up the custard.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of the assembled casserole. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm for a comforting breakfast treat!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk.
- Day-old French bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it, covering with foil, and refrigerating; then bake it fresh in the morning.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
- To keep it gluten free, substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
