Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast

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Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast – The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast

There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of cinnamon and warm syrup on a lazy morning. This Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty, comforting breakfast without the morning rush. With crispy golden cubes of bread coated in cinnamon goodness, every bite is a little piece of heaven! You simply prepare it the night before, and when you wake up, pop it in the oven and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked French toast combines the richness of traditional French toast with the convenience of a casserole. The cinnamon-sugar topping gives it a delightful crunch, while the soft, custard-soaked bread pieces are infused with warm, comforting flavors. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.

Recipe: Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• Syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread: Cut your loaf into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is soaked.
4. Chill overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
5. Bake in the morning: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle melted butter over the soaked bread cubes, then bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the tops are golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite syrup and enjoy warm!

Tips for the Perfect Baked French Toast

1. Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs more of the custard without getting mushy. Brioche and challah are great choices because they’re rich and soft, but any thick-cut bread will do.
2. Customize your flavors: For a fall twist, add a little pumpkin pie spice, or swap out vanilla for almond extract. You can also mix in fresh berries or chopped nuts for added texture.
3. Crisp topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top of the bread cubes before baking.
4. Freezer-friendly: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, freeze it, and bake it later. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the same baking instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use another type of bread?

A: Absolutely! While brioche and challah are popular choices, French bread, sourdough, or even plain white bread can work. Just make sure it’s a thicker, sturdier loaf so it holds up well when soaked in the custard.

Q: How can I reheat leftovers?

A: Leftover baked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.

Q: Can I make this without chilling it overnight?

A: If you’re short on time, you can skip the overnight soak and let the bread sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the custard before baking. However, overnight soaking allows the flavors to fully develop and gives the bread the perfect texture.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! You can substitute the milk and cream with any plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for drizzling.

Final thoughts

This Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast is a lifesaver when you want a delicious breakfast with minimal morning effort. The crispy, cinnamon-kissed cubes and tender insides make this dish an irresistible treat. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or just a cozy weekend breakfast, this French toast will become a new family favorite!

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