Baked Cinnamon French Toast(Main Dish For Breakfast Or Brunch)
Warm, comforting baked cinnamon French toast features rich flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and cream, ideal for leisurely breakfast or brunch gatherings with optional fruit preserves and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish with six slices of bread.
- Butter the remaining bread slices and place them butter-side up over the bread already in the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Place the baking dish inside a larger dish and pour boiling water into the larger pan to a depth of 1 inch.
- Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with blueberry preserves and whipped cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of cinnamon bread. You can also substitute half of the whipping cream with a non-dairy milk for a lighter version. If you're short on time, prepare the mixture the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This dish pairs beautifully with warmed blueberry preserves for a delightful touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked cinnamon French toast warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries. It pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast experience. For a delightful twist, add a dollop of whipped cream on top and a drizzle of maple syrup. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cinnamon French Toast(Main Dish For Breakfast Or Brunch) contains roughly 771 calories, with 8g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture the night before and assemble the dish in the morning. Just be sure to let it sit for 15 minutes before baking, so the bread absorbs the mixture evenly. This will save you time on busy mornings and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of cinnamon bread?
If cinnamon bread is not available, you can use regular white or whole wheat bread. For added flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top of the bread layers. Alternatively, brioche or challah will give a richer taste and texture to your French toast.
How do I know when the French toast is done baking?
The French toast is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It should also be puffed up and golden brown on top. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving, as it will continue to firm up slightly during that time.
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).