Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast perfect for weekends or holiday mornings. Soft cinnamon bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, topped with crunchy pecans, and baked to golden perfection makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 6 large eggs
• ⅔ cup milk
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ loaves cinnamon bread (about 14 slices)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• Maple syrup, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Quickly dip each slice of cinnamon bread into the egg mixture, then arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish, staggering them as needed to fit.
4. Step 4: Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread, then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
5. Step 5: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the top is set. The bottom will remain soft and custardy; bake a few extra minutes if you prefer it firmer.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm with optional powdered sugar or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or swap pecans for walnuts or sliced almonds.
• Use day-old cinnamon bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
• Prepare the night before by assembling and refrigerating, then bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche or challah bread are excellent alternatives that soak up the custard well and add richness to the dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the cinnamon bread with your favorite gluten-free bread, keeping in mind it may affect texture slightly.

Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

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This Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a cozy and delicious breakfast casserole featuring layers of cinnamon bread soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Topped with chopped pecans and baked to a golden perfection, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for weekends or holiday mornings, served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Cream Mixture

• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 6 large eggs
• ⅔ cup milk
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Bake

• 1 ½ loaves cinnamon bread (about 14 slices)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

Toppings

• Maple syrup, as desired for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a pastry brush, apply the melted butter evenly over the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
2. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
3. Soak the bread slices: Quickly dip or dredge each slice of cinnamon bread into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is coated but not soggy. Arrange the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, staggering them as needed to fit.
4. Add custard and pecans: Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread in the dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
5. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the bread starts to brown on top and is cooked through on the outside. The bottom and undersides will remain soft and custardy. For a firmer texture, bake a few minutes longer as desired.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with maple syrup and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with additional toppings if you like.

Notes

• For best results, use day-old cinnamon bread to prevent the bake from becoming too soggy.
• You can substitute pecans with walnuts or skip nuts if you have allergies.
• Make ahead by assembling the night before, cover, and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning.
• Maple syrup adds sweetness, but you can also serve with fresh fruits or whipped cream.
• Adjust baking time slightly if using a different type or thickness of bread slices.

Keywords: Cinnamon French Toast Bake, breakfast casserole, cinnamon bread, pecan topping, baked French toast, easy breakfast recipe, holiday breakfast