This cinnamon baked French toast recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Combining the rich flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with a creamy custard base, this dish is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. By preparing it the night before, you can enjoy a stress-free morning with minimal effort. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious and satisfying baked French toast that will impress your family and guests.
Grease and Arrange Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced French bread in a single layer in the dish, ensuring the bread is evenly distributed. This creates the base for your baked French toast, allowing each slice to soak up the flavorful custard mixture.
Prepare Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This mixture forms the rich custard that gives the French toast its creamy texture and delicious flavor. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
Soak Bread
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Press down lightly on the bread to help it soak up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This soaking time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful French toast.
Preheat and Prepare Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. In a small bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread. This topping adds a sweet, buttery crunch to the baked French toast, enhancing its overall texture and flavor.
Bake
Bake the French toast uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking. Once done, the French toast should be firm and set, with a crispy, caramelized topping.
