Cinnamon French Toast Bake

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A cinnamon French toast bake is the ultimate cozy breakfast that feels indulgent yet effortless. Perfect for slow weekends, holiday mornings, or make-ahead brunches, this baked French toast delivers all the warm, comforting flavors of classic French toast with minimal hands-on time. Soft, custardy bread on the inside and lightly crisp edges on top make this dish a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Unlike traditional stovetop French toast, a cinnamon French toast bake allows you to prep everything in advance. Simply layer chunks of bread in a baking dish, pour over a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, and let the oven do the work. The result is a golden, fragrant breakfast casserole that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.

This baked French toast recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly. French bread is ideal for soaking up the custard without becoming soggy, while eggs and milk create a creamy base that bakes into a soft, pudding-like texture. Butter, coconut sugar, and cinnamon add warmth and sweetness, giving this dish its signature flavor. Finished with maple syrup and fresh berries, every bite feels like a special treat.

One of the best things about cinnamon French toast bake is how customizable it is. You can adjust the sweetness, swap in different types of bread or milk, or add mix-ins like nuts or fruit. It’s also easy to scale up for a crowd or down for a smaller gathering. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want a comforting breakfast to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe fits the bill.

Serve this baked French toast straight from the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries for a bright, fresh contrast to the warm spices. Pair it with crispy bacon, sausage, or yogurt for a complete breakfast spread. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for busy mornings.

If you’re searching for an easy French toast bake, a cinnamon breakfast casserole, or a make-ahead brunch recipe, this cinnamon French toast bake is the perfect choice. Simple ingredients, cozy flavors, and stress-free preparation make it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

How To Make Cinnamon French Toast Bake

The Ingredients

French Bread: French bread provides structure and absorbs the custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best.
Substitutes: Brioche, challah, sourdough, Texas toast, or whole wheat bread.

Eggs: Eggs create the custard base and help bind everything together.
Substitutes: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2½ tbsp water per egg), chia eggs, or a store-bought egg replacer.

Milk: Milk adds creaminess and moisture to the custard.
Substitutes: Almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or half-and-half for a richer texture.

Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create golden, crisp edges.
Substitutes: Plant-based butter, coconut oil, or margarine.

Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar provides a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
Substitutes: Brown sugar, white sugar, maple sugar, or honey.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon gives the French toast bake its warm, cozy flavor.
Substitutes: Pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, nutmeg, or a cinnamon-vanilla blend.

Maple Syrup (for serving): Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Substitutes: Honey, agave nectar, date syrup, or powdered sugar.

Fresh Berries (for serving): Fresh berries add brightness and balance the richness of the bake.
Substitutes: Frozen berries, sliced bananas, apples, pears, or peaches

What You Need

The Steps

  • Preheat oven to 425°F
  • Grease a large rectangular baking dish
  • In a small saucepan add butter and heat until melted. Add coconut sugar and cinnamon; stir
  • Add half of the butter sauce to the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly
  • Cube your bread and spread evenly on the baking dish
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and salt
  • Pour egg mixture over bread and gently stir until fully coated
  • Drizzle remaining butter sauce on top
  • Bake for 25 minutes and broil for 2 minutes to get the top nice and toasty
  • Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries

Recipe Tips

 

Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • ½ loaf French bread cubed
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups almond milk or milk of choice
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon divided
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Maple syrup and fresh berries for serving

Butter Sauce

  • cup vegan butter or regular butter
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F
  • Grease a large rectangular baking dish
  • In a small saucepan add butter and heat until melted. Add coconut sugar and cinnamon; stir
  • Add half of the butter sauce to the bottom of the baking dish and spread evenly
  • Cube your bread and spread evenly on the baking dish
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon and salt
  • Pour egg mixture over bread and gently stir until fully coated
  • Drizzle remaining butter sauce on top
  • Bake for 25 minutes and broil for 2 minutes to get the top nice and toasty
  • Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries

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