Baked French Toast Maple Cinnamon Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked French toast skillet is everything you want in a weekend breakfast: easy to make, full of flavor, and made in one skillet for minimal cleanup. The maple and cinnamon infuse every bite with sweet warmth, while the edges get slightly crisp and the inside stays perfectly soft. It’s great for small gatherings, holiday mornings, or just treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

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

• Brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into cubes
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt
• Butter (for greasing the skillet and adding flavor)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Extra maple syrup (for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) with butter.
2. Add the cubed bread to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Let the mixture sit for 15–30 minutes to soak, or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead option.
6. Dot the top with small cubes of butter for added flavor and browning.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
8. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a bake time of 35–40 minutes. If preparing ahead, allow for overnight refrigeration.

Variations

• Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Fruity: Mix in blueberries, sliced apples, or bananas before baking.
• Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a cinnamon sugar streusel over the top for extra sweetness and texture.
• Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Pumpkin Spice: Replace some of the milk with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin pie spice for a fall version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the skillet in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. You can also freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are best because they’re soft, rich, and absorb custard without getting mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.

Do I need to toast the bread first?

Not necessary, but using day-old or slightly stale bread helps prevent sogginess.

Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

Yes, but pure maple syrup offers a deeper, more natural flavor.

Can I use a baking dish instead of a skillet?

Absolutely. A 9×13-inch baking dish works if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The top should be golden and slightly crisp, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I add cream cheese?

Yes, swirl in sweetened cream cheese or dot cubes of cream cheese between the bread layers.

Is it overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced. You can reduce the sugar or maple syrup slightly if preferred.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yes, halve the recipe and bake in a smaller 8-inch skillet or pan.

What can I serve with it?

It pairs well with bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, or a side of yogurt.

Conclusion

Baked French toast maple cinnamon skillet is a warm and inviting breakfast that’s easy to prepare and bursting with comforting flavors. With the richness of custard-soaked bread, a kiss of cinnamon, and the sweetness of maple syrup, it’s a skillet full of joy that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Baked French Toast Maple Cinnamon Skillet

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Baked French toast maple cinnamon skillet is a cozy, one-pan breakfast made with custard-soaked bread baked to golden perfection and finished with warm maple syrup and powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekend mornings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

[object Object]

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron) with butter.
2. Place cubed bread evenly in the skillet.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
4. Pour custard evenly over the bread. Gently press down to ensure bread absorbs the liquid.
5. Let sit for 15–30 minutes or refrigerate overnight if preparing ahead.
6. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and center is set.
8. Cool for 5–10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Notes

• Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs custard best and prevents sogginess.
• For added texture, consider a streusel topping or chopped nuts.
• You can also bake this in a 9×13-inch dish if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of skillet
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 155mg