Fluffy Cinnamon-Soaked Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Lazy weekend mornings call for a comforting easy baked French toast casserole that promises pure breakfast bliss.

Soft bread cubes soaked in a rich custard create a dreamy morning meal that wakes up every taste bud.

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will drift through your kitchen, tempting everyone to gather around the table.

Layers of bread, eggs, and cream meld together into a decadent breakfast treat that feels like pure indulgence.

Overnight preparation makes this dish a stress-free morning delight for family and friends.

Topped with a sweet maple glaze, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary breakfast experience.

Dive into this simple yet luxurious morning masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 455 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything In Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• French Bread: Sturdy bread that soaks up custard perfectly, choose day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
• Eggs: Binding agent that creates rich, creamy custard and provides protein structure.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates luscious, silky base with perfect balance of richness and smoothness.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps caramelize the top layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex flavor that enhances overall sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warming spices that create cozy, aromatic profile with subtle depth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and heightens other flavor notes.

• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized, crunchy exterior with deep molasses undertones.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind topping ingredients and creates crumbly texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy note to crunchy topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create crispy, golden topping.

Kitchen Tools For Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking the custard ingredients together smoothly.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for preparing the crumbly topping mixture.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending eggs, milk, and other custard ingredients until well combined.
• Fork: Handy for mixing the topping ingredients and creating a crumbly texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.

Easy Instructions For Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Morning Comfort

Prepare a cozy baking dish by coating it with a light butter layer. Tear soft bread into rustic chunks and spread them across the pan in a delightful jumble.

• Creamy Magic

Whisk together eggs, dairy, sugars, and warm spices in a large mixing bowl. Pour this silky mixture over bread, gently pressing so every morsel soaks up the luxurious liquid. Cover and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator overnight.

• Toasty Crumble

Create a heavenly topping by combining brown sugar, flour, and butter. Sprinkle this crumbly treasure across the waiting casserole.

• Oven Symphony

Heat your kitchen to a warm 350 degrees. Slide the casserole into the oven and let it transform for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a golden bronze and the center sets perfectly.

• Breakfast Bliss

Allow the casserole to rest briefly, then dust with a snowfall of powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve this warm, inviting breakfast to delighted family and friends.

Tasty Tips For Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Bread Selection Perfection: Choose day-old challah or brioche for the richest, most luxurious texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, creating a more decadent final dish with a wonderfully creamy interior.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole the night before for stress-free morning entertaining. The longer the bread sits in the custard, the more flavor and richness it develops, making your breakfast preparation a breeze.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular bread for gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions. Use a sturdy gluten-free option that can hold up to the custard without falling apart, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful breakfast treat.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform this dish into a more substantial meal by adding chopped nuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping. Alternatively, mix in some cream cheese cubes or sprinkle crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in the topping to create a completely dairy-free breakfast casserole.

Best Ways To Serve Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Maple Syrup Magic: Drizzle pure maple syrup over each slice for a classic breakfast touch that brings out the casserole's sweet warmth and enhances every delicious bite.
• Fresh Berry Blast: Top with a colorful medley of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to add brightness, freshness, and a nutritious pop of flavor to the rich French toast.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Dollop homemade or store-bought whipped cream on top, creating a creamy cloud that complements the casserole's soft texture and provides an extra indulgent layer of deliciousness.
• Nutty Crunch Surprise: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the casserole just before serving, introducing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the entire breakfast experience.

How To Store Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

• Smart Prep Ahead: Mix the casserole ingredients the night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing bread to soak up all delicious custard flavors for maximum taste and convenience.
• Chilling Strategy: Keep assembled casserole covered tightly in refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for weekend brunches or family gatherings.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap unbaked casserole securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, maintaining original texture and taste.
• Leftover Love: Store remaining casserole in airtight container in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm entire dish in oven at 325F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.

Heavenly Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful French toast casserole brings weekend comfort to breakfast tables across North America. Creamy custard-soaked bread bakes into a golden, crisp-edged morning treat you’ll savor with joy.

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Ingredients

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• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 loaf (454 g / 1 lb) French bread, cubed (or brioche, challah)
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence of ingredients during cooking.
2. Bread Arrangement: Cube day-old bread and distribute evenly across the greased surface, creating a uniform base for the casserole.
3. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, white and brown sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms, ensuring all components are fully integrated.
4. Soaking Process: Pour custard over bread cubes, gently pressing to maximize absorption, allowing bread to become completely saturated with the rich liquid mixture.
5. Refrigeration: Cover and chill the casserole for at least one hour or overnight, enabling flavors to develop and bread to fully absorb the custard.
6. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning rack in the center for even heat distribution.
7. Streusel Topping: Blend brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and softened butter using fingertips to create a crumbly, textured mixture that will provide a crisp, golden crown to the dish.
8. Final Assembly: Sprinkle streusel generously over the soaked bread, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
9. Baking: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a deep golden brown and the custard sets with a slight jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
10. Serving Preparation: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, then dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside warm maple syrup for a decadent breakfast experience.

Notes

• Choose Stale Bread Wisely: Select day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for maximum absorption and rich texture. Slightly dried bread prevents soggy results and creates perfect custard-soaked cubes.
• Overnight Soak Technique: Refrigerate casserole for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow bread to fully absorb custard and develop deeper flavor complexity. This resting period ensures even moisture distribution.
• Customize Spice Profile: Experiment with spice ratios or add nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest to elevate the traditional cinnamon flavor. Adjust sweetness by balancing brown and white sugars to suit personal taste preferences.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat bread cubes gently to remove excess moisture before mixing with custard. Use a light hand when pouring liquid to maintain structural integrity and achieve crispy, golden top layer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg