I still remember the moment I nailed my go-to French Toast Bake recipe in the kitchen. After a few messy tries where soggy bread and bland custard almost made me give up, something clicked. That perfect balance between custardy softness and cinnamon-kissed crust hit me like a cozy morning hug. This recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a sweet bread pudding breakfast that’s easy, satisfying, and has just enough cinnamon to make mornings feel special.
What makes my French Toast Bake recipe stand out? It’s all about the layering—the bread soaks up a simple mix of eggs, cream, and vanilla overnight, turning into a cinnamon French toast bake that’s thrillingly soft inside with a baked golden edge. No complicated steps or weird ingredients here, just delicious comfort food crafted for easy mornings. I love how versatile this overnight French toast casserole is—ready to serve straight from the oven or dressed up with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.
If you’ve been hunting for an easy baked French toast that feels a bit like a breakfast casserole recipe but still feels homemade and full of heart, this is your recipe. Ready for a playful flavor adventure? Let’s get into the magic of this French Toast Bake recipe and turn your kitchen into a cozy brunch spot.
Gather These Ingredients:
Here’s the crew that makes this French Toast Bake recipe sing. You’ll notice everything is pantry-friendly, plus a couple of flavor notes that make a big difference.
- 8 cups day-old bread cubes, preferably a sturdy white or brioche bread
- 6 large eggs, the heart of your custard mix
- 2 cups whole milk or cream (I always reach for cream for a richer bite)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, adds sweetness without overwhelming
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, look for real vanilla in the baking aisle
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, the signature spice in this cinnamon French toast bake
- ½ teaspoon salt, balances the sweetness
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing your baking dish
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup
Want to switch things up in your French Toast Bake recipe? Try swapping the bread with challah or even croissants for a different texture. If you don’t have cinnamon on hand, pumpkin pie spice is a fantastic alternative that adds a subtle twist. For a dairy-free take, use almond or oat milk, and coconut cream works beautifully to keep the custard luscious.
I love using day-old bread here—it soaks up all that custard without turning mushy. If you forget to plan ahead, popping fresh bread cubes in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes dries them out nicely. Makes all the difference for that perfect baked texture!
Let’s Make This Happen!
Ready, set, French Toast Bake recipe time! From start to finish, this beauty takes about an hour, but most of that is hands-off baking and overnight soaking. The real secret? Patience with the soak—that’s where the magic to make your casserole shine starts.
- Grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step saves you from any sticking, and we want this easy baked French toast to come out flawless.
- Cube your bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread them evenly in your prepared dish for an even custardy soak.
- Whisk together eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This custard mix is where the flavor packs in. I love giving the mixture a good whisk until it feels smooth and just a bit frothy.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Here’s the crucial moment in this French Toast Bake recipe—gently press down the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard fully.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. Your patience will pay off when the bread soaks up all that flavorful custard, turning your breakfast casserole into a sweet bread pudding breakfast dream.
- Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the top with an extra dash of cinnamon or some chopped nuts if you’re feeling fancy.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden and slightly crispy. You’ll know your French Toast Bake recipe is ready when the edges puff up a little, and a knife inserted comes out clean.
If your French Toast Bake recipe feels a bit too wet after baking, just slide it under the broiler for a minute or two—watch carefully! This adds that irresistible golden crunch on top.
While your bake is in the oven, you can prep your coffee or mix up some fresh fruit on the side. I love this time to daydream about my first forkful loaded with cinnamon and sweetness.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!
This French Toast Bake recipe pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides that balance its richness. Think crisp apple slices or a handful of fresh berries to add that bright, tart pop. Warm maple syrup or a drizzle of honey is always a welcome friend too.
My favorite way to dig into this French Toast Bake recipe is on lazy weekends or when I’m feeding hungry friends who love breakfast casseroles. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Leftovers? They turn into amazing sweet sandwiches or mini servings reheated with a quick toast under the broiler to bring back that crunchy top. I’ve even packed slices for a day picnic with a little side of jam.
Seasonal twist: in fall, toss in diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg. During winter holidays, add some orange zest and swap out plain sugar for brown sugar for extra warmth. This French Toast Bake recipe really welcomes creativity.
Common Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I prep this French Toast Bake recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This overnight French toast casserole thrives with advance prep. I always make mine the night before for a hands-off morning. Just pop it straight into the fridge and bake the next day.
2. What bread works best?
Sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast is my top pick for this French Toast Bake recipe. They hold up well to soaking and deliver soft, custardy centers with a nice crust.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve swapped in gluten-free bread with great success. The texture changes a bit but stays delicious.
4. Any tips for making this French Toast Bake recipe dairy-free?
Try almond milk or coconut cream instead of dairy. The flavor changes slightly but still makes a dreamy custard.
5. How do I scale this recipe?
This French Toast Bake recipe is so flexible. Use a smaller dish or halve ingredients for fewer servings—or double up in a larger pan for a crowd.
6. Can I add extra flavor like nuts or fruit?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. Fresh berries or diced apples bring fresh brightness. All make fun twists on this French Toast Bake recipe.
7. What if it’s too soggy or dry after baking?
Soggy? Try baking uncovered a bit longer or broiling briefly for a crispier top. Dry? Add a drizzle of milk before baking next time to boost custard moisture.
If you want even more ideas, this overnight French toast casserole shares a similar vibe, and Paula Deen’s take has an old-school charm worth seeing too I serve this Baked French Toast Casserole at every brunch or ….
My Final Take
This French Toast Bake recipe earned its spot on MilaBites because it turns simple ingredients into a breakfast crowd favorite without fuss. I love how this recipe keeps baking approachable and fun. The way bread soaks up cinnamon and vanilla custard overnight creates something almost like sweet bread pudding breakfast—but easier and ready to pop into the oven.
My Top French Toast Bake recipe Tips:
- Use day-old bread or dry fresh bread cubes in the oven for best soak
- Don’t skip the overnight soak—this locks in flavor and creates that perfect texture
- Sprinkle some nuts or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a little crunch
In my recipe test kitchen, I’ve played with adding pumpkin puree, swapping orange zest for vanilla, and even mixing maple syrup into the custard. Each twist has its fans, but the classic cinnamon French toast bake is the biggest compliment magnet every time.
For a fun twist, try dipping the baked slices in warm chocolate sauce or layering in strawberries before baking. This recipe welcomes your flavor tweaks with open arms.
If you love comfort food breakfasts that feel like a sweet celebration, this French Toast Bake recipe is a total keeper. Ready to make your mornings extra delicious? Give this cinnamon French toast bake a whirl and watch the smiles show up. You got this, fellow food lover!
And if you want more playful recipes with big flavors, peek at my jam donut focaccia here or the TikTok baked feta pasta with pesto here. For another sweet bread pudding breakfast vibe, this French Toast Bread Pudding is a wonderful cousin recipe.
Bon appétit and happy baking!
French Toast Bake recipe
This French Toast Bake is a simple and delicious breakfast casserole featuring layers of bread soaked in a rich egg custard, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah), cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Place the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or berries on top before baking, or serve with fresh fruit to enhance the dish.