If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any breakfast or brunch, this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new secret weapon. Imagine soft cubes of bread soaked in a sweet, spiced custard, all crowned with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. This dish is the ultimate make-ahead treat, making mornings easier and tastier—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just treating yourself on a lazy weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe is how simple the ingredients are—each one plays a starring role in creating that signature texture and flavor. From the custardy bread base to the sweet, crunchy topping, every component brings something special to the table.
- French bread: Day-old bread gives the casserole structure and soaks up the custard beautifully without turning soggy.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and create that luxurious, creamy texture.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect custard consistency.
- Heavy cream: For extra decadence and a velvety finish in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the spices.
- Light brown sugar: Brings subtle caramel notes to both the casserole and the topping.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm, cozy flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—gives that signature warmth and aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle, nutty depth to the custard.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the custard extra luscious and helps the bread brown beautifully.
- Topping – Light brown sugar: For a caramelized, crunchy finish.
- Topping – All-purpose flour: Gives the crumb topping structure.
- Topping – Ground cinnamon: Doubles down on that irresistible cinnamon flavor.
- Topping – Salt: Balances out the sweetness of the topping.
- Topping – Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Ensures a crisp, bakery-style streusel.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Pan
Start by grabbing your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and giving it a good coating of butter or nonstick spray. Next, cube your day-old French bread into hearty, 1-inch pieces and scatter them evenly in the dish. Using slightly stale bread is key for this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe; it soaks up all the custard without falling apart, ensuring each bite is soft but not mushy.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter. This mixture is the heart and soul of the dish, infusing every bread cube with sweetness, spice, and richness. Make sure everything is well combined so your casserole bakes up evenly flavored.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down with a spatula or your hands to ensure that every piece gets a good soak. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This step is where the magic happens—the bread absorbs all those delicious flavors, resulting in the ultimate Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe texture.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
While the casserole chills, prepare the cinnamon streusel. In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until you have a crumbly mixture resembling coarse sand. Pop this into the fridge until you’re ready to bake—the cold butter is essential for a crisp, crumbly topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so that every slice holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole is a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup brings out the cozy flavors. For extra freshness, try scattering some berries or sliced bananas on top. A little whipped cream never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a vibrant fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. A cup of hot coffee or fresh orange juice makes the meal feel complete and extra special. The casserole’s sweetness plays wonderfully with savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a brunch? Cut the casserole into neat squares and serve in individual ramekins or on small plates for an elegant touch. For holidays, add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking—guests will love the crunch! You can even create a toppings bar with syrups, fruit, and whipped cream so everyone can customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even more indulgent breakfast the next day.
Freezing
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) for about 20 minutes. The streusel topping stays crisp and the custard remains creamy—just as delicious as fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Absolutely! Challah or brioche are both fantastic options and bring a buttery, pillowy texture to the casserole. Just make sure the bread is a little stale so it holds up during soaking.
Do I really have to let it soak overnight?
While overnight soaking yields the best results, you can get away with a minimum of 30 minutes if you’re short on time. The longer soak just ensures the custard fully penetrates the bread, resulting in that signature creamy texture.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch to the topping, while berries, bananas, or even diced apples can be sprinkled over the bread before adding the custard for a fruity twist.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead?
Yes, and that’s one of the best things about the Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe! Assembling it the night before means you can wake up, bake, and enjoy a stress-free brunch with minimal morning effort.
How do I prevent the casserole from being soggy?
Using day-old bread is key. Also, make sure to bake the casserole until it’s set in the center—if it’s still a bit jiggly, give it a few more minutes. The top should be golden and crisp when it’s done.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch that’s as easy as it is impressive, you absolutely have to try this Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone at the table. Give it a whirl—your mornings will never be the same!
