Description
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish perfect for serving a crowd. Cubed French bread is soaked in a rich custard mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla, then baked atop a luscious brown sugar and butter base that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, spiced flavors and a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
Topping
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Generously butter a 13×9 inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and set it aside.
- Make the caramel base: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely and becomes a smooth, caramel-like mixture. Immediately pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, evenly coating the bottom.
- Arrange bread cubes: Place the cubed French bread evenly on top of the brown sugar and butter mixture in the baking dish, spreading them out for even soaking.
- Prepare custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked well.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting cinnamon French toast casserole!
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Day-old French bread works best as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- For added flavor variation, consider folding in raisins or fresh fruit before baking.
