Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a warm, soft, bakery-style breakfast casserole made with cubes of bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon custard and baked until golden. It’s perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead holiday mornings because you can prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
🕒 Prep Time
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Preparation: 15 minutes
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Chill (optional overnight): 30 minutes – 8 hours
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Bake time: 40–45 minutes
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Total: about 1 hour (plus chilling)
🍞 Equipment
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9×13 inch baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Knife & cutting board
🥄 Ingredients
For the casserole
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1 large loaf brioche or soft white bread (cut into cubes)
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6 large eggs
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2 cups milk
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½ cup heavy cream (or extra milk)
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¾ cup sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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Pinch of salt
For the cinnamon topping
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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⅓ cup cold butter (cubed)
📝 Ingredient Notes
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Brioche or challah gives the softest, richest texture.
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Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs more custard.
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You can reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet version.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Grease your baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
Step 2: Make the custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Soak
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Press gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.
👉 For best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Step 4: Make topping
Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using fingers or a fork until crumbly.
Step 5: Bake
Sprinkle topping over the soaked bread.
Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 40–45 minutes until golden and set in the center.
Step 6: Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
🍯 Serving Ideas
Top with:
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Maple syrup
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Powdered sugar
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Fresh berries
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Whipped cream
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Caramel drizzle
🔥 Nutrition (approx per serving)
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Calories: 360
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Carbs: 48g
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 14g
💡 Tips for Perfect French Toast Bake
✔ Use day-old bread to avoid sogginess
✔ Chill overnight for deeper flavor
✔ Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast
✔ Let rest before cutting for clean slices
