Baked Cinnamon French Toast
A rich and comforting baked cinnamon French toast with layers of cinnamon bread soaked in custard, topped with blackberry preserves and whipped cream for a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with 6 slices of bread.
- Butter the remaining bread slices.
- Place the buttered bread slices over the bread in the dish, butter side up.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add milk, whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to the eggs.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread in the dish.
- Let stand for 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak.
- Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan.
- Pour boiling water into the larger pan to a depth of 1 inch.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with warmed blackberry preserves and whipped cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old cinnamon bread to enhance texture and flavor. You can substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream if you prefer a lighter custard. If you want a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the custard mixture. This dish can also be prepared the night before and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked French toast with warmed blackberry preserves and a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon for a delightful brunch. For a special treat, consider serving alongside 'Karonnie' for a unique twist that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cinnamon French Toast contains roughly 936 calories, with 15g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon bread?
Yes, you can use regular bread, but the flavor will differ. To mimic the cinnamon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard mixture or using a cinnamon swirl bread for a similar effect.
How do I know when the French toast is done baking?
The French toast is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, which takes about 40 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Additionally, the top should be lightly golden and set. Letting it rest for 10 minutes will help firm it up before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free cinnamon bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as milk and cream, are gluten-free as well to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).