Cinnamon Vanilla Baked French Toast

This Cinnamon Vanilla Baked French Toast is a weekend breakfast classic with a make-ahead twist. Featuring thick chunks of bread soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and topped with a golden brown sugar crumble, it’s the ultimate comforting casserole.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• No morning rush—assemble the night before.
• A sweet and simple flavor combo: cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar.
• The perfect balance of crispy topping and soft, custardy inside.
• Ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or lazy Sundays.
• Uses basic pantry ingredients and leftover bread.

Cinnamon Vanilla Baked French Toast

Nothing beats the cozy aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen. And when it’s coming from this Baked French Toast Casserole, you know your morning just got upgraded. This dish turns day-old bread into a dreamy breakfast bake with just a few staple ingredients and some overnight chill time.

It’s comfort food through and through, with thick cubes of crusty French bread soaked in a sweetened egg custard. Brown sugar and cinnamon provide a warm, spiced sweetness that’s not too heavy, while vanilla adds that unmistakable nostalgic aroma.

The best part? The crumble topping. A quick mix of brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon, it bakes up into a golden, crispy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft, almost bread pudding-like base beneath.

This is the kind of dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort—especially since all the prep is done the night before. You wake up, pop it in the oven, and 45 minutes later you’ve got a kitchen that smells like a bakery and a casserole that’s guaranteed to wow.

It’s also super customizable. You can toss in some blueberries or bananas before baking, or switch out the topping for chopped nuts or oats. Want it dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and butter.

Serve it warm with maple syrup (a must!), or dress it up with a dollop of yogurt or fresh berries. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep, too.

This baked French toast brings ease, elegance, and all the flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in casserole form.

Servings: 6–8

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: Overnight
• Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight chill)

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1 (15 oz) loaf French bread, cut into large cubes (preferably day-old)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

To Serve:

• Maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Grease a 2.5-quart baking dish and place bread cubes evenly inside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
3. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently to help bread absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. For the topping: combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and mix with fingers or a fork until crumbly. Cover and chill.
5. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–55 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and set in the center.
7. Let cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Tips

• Use a deep dish to prevent overflow as the custard bakes.
• Press the bread down after pouring custard to ensure full absorption.
• Try with brioche or challah for a richer base.
• Topping can be made in advance and kept in the fridge.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.