Wake up to irresistible comfort with this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, a dish that gives you all the nostalgic flavors of classic French toast but in a delicious, crowd-pleasing bake. Every bite bursts with custardy warmth, cinnamon spice, and rich brioche, making it hard to believe how simple it is to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or just want to treat your family on a lazy weekend, this is the kind of breakfast that brings everyone running to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beautiful thing about Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: its magic comes from everyday ingredients, but every one is key. The result is luxurious, but the process couldn’t be easier – each element adds richness, flavor, or the perfect golden texture.
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Choose a sturdy-yet-tender loaf; slightly stale is best for soaking up the custard without getting mushy.
- Large Eggs: Six eggs give the casserole structure and that dreamy breakfast taste.
- Whole Milk: Full-fat milk brings creaminess to the custard, making each bite luscious.
- Heavy Cream: Adds an extra level of decadent richness that sets this bake apart.
- Brown Sugar: Deep caramel notes enhance both the custard and the crunchy topping.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the depth of brown sugar and keeps things sweet but not overwhelming.
- Vanilla Extract: One tablespoon brings an inviting, fragrant warmth to the whole dish.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show, it infuses every bite with that dreamy, cozy spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch makes the flavor pop without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens up the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour (for topping): Key for creating a crumbly, golden crown on top.
- Cold Unsalted Butter (for topping): Cut into cubes for perfect, melt-in-your-mouth streusel texture.
- Optional Garnishes: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries add beautiful color and flavor at the table.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving a breeze. Cube your brioche or challah into 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly in the dish. If your bread is a little stale, you’re in luck – that’s exactly what you want for optimal custard-soaking.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This luscious mixture is what turns simple bread into a rich, custardy masterpiece.
Step 3: Soak and Chill
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing them down with a spatula or the back of a spoon to encourage every last piece to soak up those flavors. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours – or, better yet, overnight. Giving the bread time to fully absorb the custard makes for the best Cinnamon French Toast Casserole texture.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
Once you’re ready to bake, whip up the delectable topping: in a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or fork to work it in until you have sandy, pea-sized crumbs. This step is quick but adds a bakery-worthy touch!
Step 5: Bake!
Sprinkle that fragrant topping all over your chilled casserole. Pop it into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When the casserole is puffed and golden with a satisfyingly crunchy top and your kitchen smells like a cinnamon dream, it’s done. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing for creamy, cohesive squares.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by topping your warm slices with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a generous handful of fresh berries. Each addition adds something special: syrup for classic sweetness, powdered sugar for a snowy finish, and berries for a bright, juicy contrast.
Side Dishes
Balance the richness of Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or sausage links. Even a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt alongside can make for a well-rounded and truly satisfying breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the casserole into rounds with a biscuit cutter for a whimsical brunch platter, layering slices in parfait glasses with yogurt and berries, or serving in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon French Toast Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover the baking dish tightly or transfer pieces to an airtight container. It will stay tasty for up to four days, making it a great grab-and-go treat for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you want to save some casserole for later, let it cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through and the edges crisp up slightly again. Add your favorite toppings just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Absolutely! While brioche or challah make the best base for this dish due to their tenderness and sweetness, you can also use sturdy white sandwich bread, French bread, or even croissants for a slight twist.
Is it okay to prep Cinnamon French Toast Casserole just a couple of hours ahead instead of overnight?
Yes, if you’re pressed for time, 2 hours of soaking is usually enough to get that soft, custardy texture, but overnight soaking is still the absolute best for flavor and cohesion.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
You definitely can! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives (like almond or oat milk and coconut cream), and use a plant-based butter for the topping. The results are still rich and delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
Your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is done when the top is deeply golden, and the center is set – you can insert a knife in the middle and it should come out clean (or mostly clean, without wet custard attached).
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just use two baking dishes and divide the custard and topping evenly. Bake side by side, checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the smell of baking cinnamon and bread to fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation. Whether you’re making breakfast for a houseful or just want to savor a sweet, cozy treat, Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try—you just might find a new family favorite!
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus soaking)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and aromatic breakfast with this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a special brunch or a make-ahead breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 14–16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
Optional Garnishes:
- Maple syrup
- powdered sugar
- fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, spices, and salt.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard over the bread cubes, pressing lightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat and Top: Preheat oven. Make topping, sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let cool, then serve with garnishes.
Notes
- You can prepare this up to 24 hours ahead for an easy make-ahead breakfast.
- Use day-old bread for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
