Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Cinnamon baked French toast is a decadent and easy breakfast dish perfect for brunch gatherings or lazy weekend mornings. It combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or challah/brioche), cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread into the dish, arranging it evenly.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring that all pieces are soaked.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake Time: Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. For a softer texture, bake for the shorter time; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries if desired.
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