Name: Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

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If your mornings could use a little more joy, this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new breakfast best friend. With pillow-soft cubes of French bread drenched in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble, every bite is like a cozy hug. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a crowd, or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this casserole delivers big on comfort and flavor—plus, it can be prepped the night before to make your morning deliciously effortless.

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, familiar ingredients transform into something extraordinary in this casserole. Each plays an important role, from soaking up the luscious custard to creating that crave-worthy golden topping. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make each one shine:

French bread: Choose a day-old loaf for the best texture; it will soak up the custard beautifully without getting mushy.
Eggs: These help set the custard and bind everything together for a sliceable, creamy casserole.
Whole milk: Adds richness and keeps the casserole moist.
Heavy cream: Elevates the creaminess, giving the custard a luscious, silky mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps caramelize the edges.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor, perfect with cinnamon.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives a cozy aroma.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice, adding that classic warmth.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch brings a gentle complexity.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the bread and crisped on top for all-out decadence.
All-purpose flour (for topping): Helps create the perfect crumbly streusel.
More brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens and darkens the crunchy top all the more.
Ground cinnamon (for topping): Punches up the spice in every bite.
More salt (for topping): Keeps the topping from getting too sweet.
Cold unsalted butter (for topping): Essential for those irresistible streusel crumbles.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread Base

Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the casserole from sticking and makes for easier serving. Arrange your 1-inch French bread cubes evenly in the dish, making sure they are packed in without being smushed. This creates the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious custard later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and that optional pinch of nutmeg. Give it a really good whisk until everything is well blended and there are no streaks of egg. The custard should smell absolutely divine at this point!

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon to help the bread absorb the custard—don’t skip this step! Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This makes the Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe perfect for prepping ahead.

Step 4: Mix the Crunchy Topping

While the bread soaks, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the mixture—you’re looking for a crumbly, coarse sand texture. Cover and refrigerate this topping until you’re ready to bake.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the bread, then drizzle the remaining melted butter on top for extra golden crispness. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the casserole is set and the top is irresistibly golden brown. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For finishing touches, a generous dusting of powdered sugar is always stunning, or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness. Try a handful of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offer a burst of color and tartness that pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is plenty indulgent on its own, but it also pairs well with sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness. For a fancier spread, serve with Greek yogurt and a tangy citrus salad, making your brunch feel totally next-level.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, slice the casserole into neat squares and stack them on a platter, each piece topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or, serve in individual ramekins for a personal, upscale touch. For the holidays, try adding colorful fruit or edible flowers to make the Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making those leftovers just as delicious for a quick breakfast or dessert.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cooled casserole into individual portions and wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat portions in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just zap individual squares for 1–2 minutes, though you may sacrifice a bit of crunch on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While French bread gives great texture, challah or brioche make fabulous, even richer substitutes in the Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe. Just opt for a sturdy loaf that’s a day or two old for the best results.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

You can substitute more whole milk for the heavy cream if you’re looking to lighten things up, but the cream really does make the custard extra luxurious. Half-and-half is a happy medium.

Is it okay to skip refrigerating overnight?

At a minimum, give the casserole 4 hours to soak. Overnight is ideal because it allows the bread to absorb all that spiced custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

How can I add extra flavor or texture?

Try tossing a handful of toasted pecans or raisins into the casserole before you bake it. These little additions add a wonderful crunch and pop of sweetness, making each bite even more memorable.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

If you need a larger batch, double all ingredients and use two 9×13 pans. This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is super adaptable for feeding a big crowd during holidays or special occasions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that practically makes itself, this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s easy, versatile, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and sugar. Invite your favorite people over, serve up big squares, and make some delicious memories around the breakfast table!

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch option that’s bursting with cinnamon flavor and sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole:

1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place cubed French bread inside. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Pour over bread, press down, cover, and refrigerate.
Prepare the Topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.
Bake: Preheat oven, sprinkle topping over bread, drizzle melted butter, bake until golden. Rest before serving warm.