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- 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - Powdered sugar for dusting - Maple syrup for serving You will need to use a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe. The bread, eggs, and milk form the base. The heavy cream adds richness. The cinnamon and sugars give it that sweet spice we love. You can switch the challah bread for brioche if you want. For a lighter option, use almond milk instead of regular milk. If you want it dairy-free, try a dairy-free cream or omit it. You can also use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. This step helps the casserole cook evenly and prevents sticking. In a large mixing bowl, crack open 6 large eggs. Add 2 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well blended. This mixture will soak into the bread, creating a rich flavor. Cut 1 loaf of challah bread into cubes. Add the bread cubes to your egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture. You want every piece to soak up the liquid. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This waiting time is key for a soft, flavorful casserole. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Pour half of the bread mixture into the greased baking dish. Drizzle half of the brown sugar mixture on top. Then, add the rest of the bread mixture and drizzle the remaining brown sugar mixture over it. Use a spatula to press down lightly. This helps the bread absorb any leftover liquid. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to turn golden brown and the casserole to be set. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving warm with maple syrup. Enjoy the delightful flavors! To make sure the bread soaks up the egg mixture, use fresh challah bread. Cut the bread into cubes, about one inch in size. Place the cubes in the egg mix. Gently fold them in, but do not smash them. Let the mix sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the bread absorb all the flavors well. For best results, press down lightly with a spatula. This will help the bread soak up more liquid. You can play with flavors and textures! Swap the challah for brioche or sourdough for a different taste. Add fruits, like berries or bananas, for a fresh twist. You can also mix in nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Try different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to change the flavor profile. Get creative and make it your own! When serving, cut the casserole into squares. Stack them on a plate for a nice look. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Drizzle warm maple syrup on top for extra flavor. Fresh berries can add color and taste. Serve with whipped cream for a fun treat, too! Enjoy it warm for the best experience. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old challah bread. It will absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy. Soak Longer for Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the bread soak in the egg mixture for 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge for a richer flavor. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Perfect Baking Time: To ensure a golden top, keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. You want it to be firm but not dry. {{image_2}} You can add fruit for a fresh twist. Berries, bananas, or apples work great. Chop them into small pieces. Mix them into the egg mixture before adding the bread. You can also layer slices of fruit between bread layers. This makes the dish colorful and tasty. Try adding a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra flavor. If you love nuts, throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. You can also mix in some chocolate chips. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich taste. Just fold them into the bread mixture. This makes your casserole feel like a dessert! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. There are many tasty options available. Just check the label to ensure it is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You will still get that yummy cinnamon sugar flavor. Enjoy your meal without worry! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. You can freeze the casserole for later use. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The casserole will last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Just follow these steps: 1. Mix the egg and milk mixture as the recipe states. 2. Combine it with the cubed challah bread. 3. Place everything in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. 4. Store it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors. In the morning, just bake it straight from the fridge. The best bread for this recipe is challah. Its soft texture soaks up the egg mixture well. Other options include brioche or French bread. These breads add flavor and create a nice texture. Avoid using plain sandwich bread, as it won't give the same result. To make it more indulgent, add more cream or sugar. You can use 1 cup of heavy cream instead of 1/2 cup. Adding chocolate chips or nuts also enhances the flavor. Top with whipped cream or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. Your guests will love the extra special touch! Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use a dairy-free butter to mix with the brown sugar. This way, you still enjoy the great taste without dairy. In this article, we covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for your baked French toast. You learned how to prepare your dish, mix the perfect egg mixture, and layer your flavors. I shared variations to excite your taste buds, from fruity to gluten-free options. Remember, baking is fun and flexible. Experiment with your ingredients and enjoy the process. You now have the tools to make a tasty breakfast treat. Happy baking!

Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Casserole

A delicious and easy-to-make casserole featuring cubed challah bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a cinnamon sugar mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah bread, cut into cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting
  • to taste maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
  • Add the cubed challah bread to the egg mixture and gently fold to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined.
  • Pour half of the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly drizzle half of the brown sugar mixture over it. Then, pour the remaining bread mixture on top and drizzle the rest of the brown sugar mixture.
  • Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole has set.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
  • Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

Notes

Cut into square portions and stack on a dessert plate, garnished with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Keyword baked, breakfast, casserole, French toast