Baked Cinnamon French Toast dish

a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast topped with powdered sugar and marscapone cheese
a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast topped with powdered sugar and marscapone cheese

Our Cinnamon French Toast Recipe is the reliable make-ahead brunch option that’s sure to impress guests and be a hit with the whole family! Made with thick-cut bread soaked in a fragrant mixture of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this dish is a sweet and satisfying way to start the day.

Plus, this French toast can easily be personalized with your family’s go-to toppings like fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream!

a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast topped with powdered sugar and marscapone cheese

Why We Love This Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

With recipes like Sheet Pan French Toast, Cannoli Baked French Toast, and more, it’s no secret we’re huge fans of this classic breakfast. We love to play with different flavor combinations and ways to make it, and this cinnamon French toast might just be our go-to!

  • It’s made with minimal ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • You can prepare it in advance for an simple breakfast or brunch.
  • Soaked in an egg mixture and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full!
two pieces of bread with a hand buttering one
two slices of brioche bread, one buttered and topped with brown sugar

Cinnamon French Toast Ingredients

As mentioned, we created this recipe using pantry staples. That means you can whip it up any time! But be sure to double-check the list below so you don’t have to run to the store in the middle of making your French toast.

  • Bread – We prefer Brioche bread, but Challah, sourdough, or any thick-cut loaf will work.
  • Eggs – You can’t have French toast without eggs! Make sure you have plenty on hand.
  • Milk – For the richest taste, we use whole milk. However, any percentage you have is fine. You could even swap it out for plant-based milk if you prefer.
  • Vanilla Extract – For the finest flavor, we strongly recommend using real vanilla extract instead of imitation kinds. Trust us, it’s worth the splurge.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg – When combined, these spices create a sweet, slightly savory, totally irresistible explosion of flavor.
  • Salt – It might seem strange to include salt in a sweet recipe, but it helps to elevate the rest of the ingredients, making them even more tasty.
  • Sugar – You’ll need both granulated and brown sugar for this recipe.
  • Butter – Butter helps prevent the bread from sticking to the baking dish and allows the cinnamon sugar mixture to cling to the French toast. Not to mention, it’s super tasty! If you don’t want to use butter, you could swap it out for mascarpone instead

Optional Add-Ins

While we think this cinnamon French toast recipe is reliable just the way it is, feel free to take it up a notch with some extra ingredients! Here are a few of our go-to add-ins to elevate your brunch game:

  • Fresh Berries
  • Thinly Sliced Apples
  • Chocolate Chips
an overhead image of a bowl of an egg mixture with eggs on the side to make a baked cinnamon french toast recipe
sliced brioche bread in a white baking dish ready to be baked

How Do You Make French Toast with Cinnamon?

This cinnamon French toast couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s how:

  1. Combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Spread the butter on the bread, and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
  3. Layer two pieces of bread at a time.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread in a baking dish.
  5. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and syrup, and enjoy!
a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast

Common Questions about Baked Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

How do you keep French toast casserole from getting soggy?

The key to preventing a soggy French toast casserole is using day-old or slightly stale bread that can better absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. You’ll also want to bake it until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the center should be set but still tender when tested with a knife.

Can I make French toast casserole the night before?

If you’re looking for an simple make-ahead meal, you’re in luck! One of our go-to things about this recipe is that there are several ways to make it.
For a speedy meal: Combine your ingredients, and pop your baking dish in the oven right away. It’ll still be good just not quite as thick and flavorful.
For simple baking: Prepare all of the ingredients, and store your French toast covered in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Then, just bake it, as usual, the next day.
For meal prep: Follow the recipe instructions. Then, store your baked French toast in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

What bread works finest for French toast casserole?

Hearty breads with some structure like brioche, challah, or French bread make the finest French toast casserole. These breads have the reliable texture to soak up the egg mixture while still maintaining their shape during baking, creating that reliable balance of custardy inside and slightly crisp outside.

What toppings go well with cinnamon French toast casserole?

Maple syrup is the classic choice, but there are so many fantastic options like fresh berries, sliced bananas, toasted nuts, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also drizzle with caramel sauce or add a cream cheese glaze for extra richness—the possibilities are endless!

closeup of a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast topped with powdered sugar and marscapone cheese

More French Toast Recipes You’ll Love

a white baking dish with baked cinnamon french toast topped with powdered sugar and marscapone cheesethe Ayyem kitchenServings: 16 servings

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 1 hr

This Baked Cinnamon Sugar Frencht Toast Recipe is a sweet breakfast everyone will love! Email

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 loaf sliced brioche bread
  • 4 Tablespoons room temperature butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar divided

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl add eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until everything is combined.6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  2. Take 1 slice of bread and spread a little less than a tablespoon of butter on top. Sprinkle with a couple teaspoons brown sugar, just enough to cover the slice of bread. Repeat with the remaining bread. Arrange in a round baking dish. 1 loaf sliced brioche bread, 4 Tablespoons room temperature butter, 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
  6. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and/or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving
| Calories: 186kcal
| Carbohydrates: 27g
| Protein: 6g
| Fat: 6g
| Saturated Fat: 3g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
| Trans Fat: 0.1g
| Cholesterol: 73mg
| Sodium: 282mg
| Potassium: 105mg
| Fiber: 1g
| Sugar: 15g
| Vitamin A: 227IU
| Vitamin C: 0.01mg
| Calcium: 66mg
| Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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