If you’re searching for the perfect blend of comforting warmth and cinnamon-scented sweetness, look no further than this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s a dreamy breakfast or brunch dish that combines soft, custardy bread cubes soaked in a rich egg mixture with a caramelized brown sugar base that adds an irresistible depth of flavor. This recipe transforms your morning routine into a cozy, special occasion without any fuss, making it a beloved favorite that friends and family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together to create the magic in this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from texture and flavor to that beautifully golden finish you want.
- French bread, ½ loaf (about 8 oz), cut into cubes: Sturdy enough to soak up the custard while holding its shape during baking.
- Butter, ½ cup: Provides richness and helps create the luscious caramelized sugar layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Adds deep molasses sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- Eggs, 6: The backbone of the custard, binding everything together with creamy texture.
- Milk, 2 cups: Balances and softens the custard, ensuring the bread cubes are soaked just right.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Brings out the warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons divided: Infuses the dish with its signature spicy sweetness; half in the custard, half sprinkled on top.
- Brown sugar for topping, 1 tablespoon: Creates a slightly crunchy, caramelized finish on the casserole surface.
- Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting to add a delicate, snowy sweetness before serving.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, butter a 13 by 9-inch baking pan generously. This step is key to making sure your casserole doesn’t stick and that buttery flavor enhances every bite.
Step 2: Create the Brown Sugar Butter Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the packed brown sugar until it dissolves and becomes syrupy. This rich mixture will caramelize as it bakes, forming a deliciously sweet layer beneath the bread cubes—trust me, it’s a game changer.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Cubes
Place the cubed French bread evenly into the baking pan, spreading it across the caramel base. Use slightly stale bread if you can; it soaks up the custard without getting mushy, helping the casserole hold a light, fluffy structure once baked.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and one teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. This custard is the heart of your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe, coating each bread cube with creamy, cinnamon-infused goodness.
Step 5: Pour the Custard and Add Toppings
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, allowing it to seep through and saturate every nook and cranny. Then sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and the tablespoon of brown sugar evenly on top to add a touch of extra sweetness and that signature golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is set. Your kitchen is about to smell irresistible, and that bubbling sweet sugar crust on top will make it impossible to wait to dig in!
Step 7: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, give it a light dusting of powdered sugar if you like a subtle hint of extra sweetness and a pretty finish. Let it cool just a few minutes before serving so the layers settle perfectly.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic and eye-catching, but fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries add a vibrant, tangy balance to the casserole’s rich sweetness. For an indulgent twist, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a star on its own but pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can also round out the meal and keep breakfast feeling bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for charming single servings at a brunch party. Alternatively, serving it in the original pan but slicing it into neat squares allows everyone to grab their perfect portion while keeping things casual and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy reheated breakfasts or snacks with no hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil or use a freezer-safe container and it will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or warm the whole casserole in a 350-degree oven until heated through, usually about 15 minutes. This helps keep the outside crisp while warming the custardy inside to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than French bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its texture and ability to soak up custard, you can substitute brioche, challah, or even thick-cut sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best custard absorption.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! For a super convenient breakfast, assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it first thing in the morning for a fresh, steaming dish that feels like you’ve spent hours prepping.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk or another plant-based milk alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.
How can I make this recipe sweeter or less sweet?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the brown sugar amounts in both the base and topping. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup when serving also offers control over final sweetness.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Sprinkling extra brown sugar on top before baking helps caramelize and create that coveted crunchy layer. For an added touch, you might toss on some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly one of those heartwarming dishes that fills your home with delicious aromas and your belly with comforting flavors. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend breakfast, I encourage you to try it and make it your own. Baking this casserole is like giving yourself a warm, cinnamon-scented hug—trust me, you’ll wonder how life was ever complete without it.
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish, combining soft French bread soaked in a creamy cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection with a sweet buttery brown sugar base and a delightful cinnamon topping.
Ingredients
Base
- ½ loaf French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: Melt the ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup packed brown sugar until fully dissolved and smooth. Pour this warm sugar-butter mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter mixture in the baking pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the pan, allowing it to soak into the bread.
- Bake: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar for extra flavor and a beautiful glaze. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting breakfast treat.
Notes
- For best results, use slightly stale French bread so it absorbs the custard better.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set slightly before serving.
- Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated; bake in the morning for convenience.
- Optional toppings include fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for added flavor.
