Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast

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Imagine waking up to the smell of warm cinnamon wafting through your home. A cozy breakfast, prepared effortlessly the night before, awaits you and your loved ones. That’s the magic of Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast! This recipe combines the sweet, spiced goodness of cinnamon with the rich, custardy texture of classic French toast—all baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for holidays, lazy weekends, or any day you want to start with a touch of indulgence.

Why I Love This Recipe (And Why You Will Too!)

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence. The fact that you can prepare it the night before means your morning is stress-free, yet the result is a dish that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. The warm cinnamon aroma, the buttery crunch of the streusel topping, and the custardy layers of bread make every bite heavenly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every time.

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare.
• The overnight rest saves you precious time in the morning.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• The flavors and textures are downright irresistible.

Tips for the Perfect Baked French Toast

1. Choose the Right Bread: Use slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough to soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
2. Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Whole milk and heavy cream create a luscious texture and richer flavor.
3. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dish sit overnight ensures the custard fully absorbs into the bread.
5. Add a Crunchy Topping: A streusel made from butter, sugar, and pecans takes this dish to the next level.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange bread slices in a single layer.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure even soaking. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Prepare the topping by combining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, butter, and pecans. Sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and set. Serve warm with syrup or powdered sugar.

Common Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free loaf. Make sure it’s slightly stale for the best results.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What toppings work best?
Aside from the streusel, try fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Enjoy this comforting dish and savor every bite of your stress-free morning! Whether it’s a family breakfast or a brunch gathering, this Overnight Cinnamon Baked French Toast will surely impress.