This warm and comforting cinnamon sugar French toast bake delivers everything you love about classic French toast, but in an easy, make-ahead casserole. Soft, custardy slices of bread soak overnight in a spiced egg mixture, then bake into a golden, fragrant breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekends, or holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants a delicious homemade breakfast without morning prep. By assembling it the night before, all you have to do is bake it the next day. Every slice comes out tender inside with a lightly crisp top, and the cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen. It also feeds a group effortlessly, making it a great choice for brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 large loaf Challah bread, thickly sliced (about 3/4 inch per slice)
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole milk)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons cinnamon–sugar mix (a blend of white sugar and cinnamon)
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Directions
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Slice the Challah loaf into thick slices and arrange them in the baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all slices are coated. Gently press the bread into the mixture so it absorbs well.
Allow the mixture to soak for at least 1 hour. For best results, cover and refrigerate overnight.
Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to remove the chill.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle the top with 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon–sugar mix.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and the center is set (not jiggly).
Serve warm with maple syrup or extra cinnamon sugar.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour minimum, preferably overnight
Bake time: 50–55 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (or longer if resting overnight)
Variations
Use brioche or thick French bread if Challah is unavailable.
Swap white sugar for brown sugar in the topping for a deeper caramel flavor.
Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts between the bread layers for added texture.
Stir a pinch of nutmeg into the custard mixture for additional warmth.
For a slightly richer dish, substitute part of the milk with half-and-half.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness.
This recipe can also be frozen: wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How far in advance can I prepare this French toast bake?
You can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until baking.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond or oat milk works, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
My bread didn’t absorb all the custard—what should I do?
Press the slices gently into the mixture or add another slice of bread to soak up excess liquid.
Can I make this without letting it rest overnight?
Yes, but it needs at least 1 hour of soaking for best texture.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely—adjust the cinnamon sugar topping to taste.
What type of bread works best?
Challah is ideal, but brioche or French bread also hold up well.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
The center should no longer jiggle and the top should be lightly golden.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes—berries, sliced apples, or peaches can be layered between the bread slices.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a sturdy gluten-free loaf.
What should I serve with this casserole?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, or halal breakfast sausages pair well.
Conclusion
This cinnamon sugar French toast bake transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast you can prepare ahead of time. Its soft interior, crisp cinnamon topping, and effortless assembly make it a go-to recipe for family mornings, gatherings, and holiday brunches. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite.
This make-ahead Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bake features thick slices of bread soaked in a spiced custard, baked to golden perfection with a crisp cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for cozy mornings or holiday brunches.
Ingredients
1 large loaf Challah bread, thickly sliced (about 3/4 inch per slice)
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk (2% or whole milk)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons cinnamon–sugar mix (white sugar blended with cinnamon)
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Arrange thick Challah slices in the dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour mixture evenly over the bread, pressing slices down to absorb the custard.
Let soak for at least 1 hour or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
Before baking, let dish sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon–sugar over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until puffed and center is set.
Serve warm with maple syrup or extra cinnamon sugar.
Notes
Challah is best, but brioche or thick French bread also work well.
Brown sugar can be used for a deeper topping flavor.
Add nuts or raisins between bread layers for texture.
Use part half-and-half for a richer custard base.
Letting it rest overnight improves texture and flavor.
