Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish
• Warm cinnamon flavor with soft, custardy bread
• Easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd
• Delicious with maple syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar
• Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or weekend breakfasts

Ingredients

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

bread cubes (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
eggs
milk
heavy cream
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
salt
unsalted butter

optional topping
brown sugar
flour
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter

Directions

1. Grease a baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated.
4. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. If making the topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8 portions

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
Baking time: 40–45 minutes

Total time: about 3 hours (including chilling)

Variations

Berry French toast casserole
Add fresh or frozen berries between the bread layers for a fruity twist.

Apple cinnamon casserole
Mix diced apples into the bread cubes for extra sweetness and texture.

Chocolate chip French toast casserole
Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the casserole for a dessert-style breakfast.

Pumpkin spice French toast casserole
Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard mixture.

Cream cheese French toast casserole
Add small cubes of cream cheese throughout the bread for a rich and creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer
The baked casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread works best because they absorb the custard well while maintaining structure.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for overnight preparation so the bread can fully soak in the custard.

Can I use stale bread?

Yes, slightly stale bread works very well because it absorbs the custard more effectively.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The top should be golden and the center should be set without being overly wet.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, the sugar can be reduced slightly without affecting the structure of the casserole.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch to the topping.

Can I make this casserole without chilling it?

It is best to chill it so the bread absorbs the custard, but in a pinch you can let it sit for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use whole wheat bread?

Yes, whole wheat bread can be used for a heartier texture.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt all pair well with this casserole.

Conclusion

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm and comforting breakfast dish that transforms classic French toast into an easy, crowd-friendly bake. With its sweet cinnamon flavor, soft custardy texture, and golden topping, it’s perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or relaxing weekend mornings.

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting baked breakfast made with cubes of bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon custard and baked until golden. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead family breakfasts.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 6 cups bread cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing dish)
• Optional topping:
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated.
4. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. If making the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Notes

• Stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
• Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it slices more cleanly.
• You can assemble the dish the night before for an easy morning bake.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 165mg