French Toast Bake

This make-ahead French Toast Bake combines soft custardy bread with a buttery cinnamon topping, all baked in one pan. A classic brunch treat!

For the past 15 years, I’ve stuck to the same Christmas morning tradition: Mom’s Breakfast Bake and warm, pull-apart Cinnamon Rolls. As much as my family and I love it, I thought it was time to change things up this year! That being said, let me introduce you to the most delicious French Toast bake you’ll ever try! Made with chunks of sourdough bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then baked until golden, fluffy, and perfectly crisp on top, this recipe is everything you want in a breakfast casserole. The buttery cinnamon topping takes it over the top, and the best part? Everything bakes together in one pan. If you’ve been searching for the best French toast casserole or an easy make-ahead breakfast recipe for holidays and weekends, this is the one your family will request year after year. It’s basically breakfast in cake form! It doesn’t get better than that.

FRENCH TOAST BAKE

Keep in mind, while this recipe is simple to put together, it does need time to chill in the refrigerator so the bread can fully soak up the custard, ideally for 6 hours or overnight for best results. The rich mixture of eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract gives it that soft, custardy center we all know and love. Before baking, the casserole is topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter for a golden crunch. Baked until warm, fluffy, and lightly crisp on top, this overnight French toast casserole tastes just like it came from your favorite bakery. Serve each slice with powdered sugar and warm maple syrup for a comforting breakfast recipe for any occasion.

Find my expert tips on how to make French Toast Bake below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️

Why You’ll Love This Easy French Toast Bake Recipe:

• Classic French Toast Flavors: Every bite is filled with rich vanilla custard-soaked bread and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that bakes up golden and crisp.
• Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipe: This overnight French toast bake is convenient for busy mornings, holidays, and brunch parties. Simply prep everything the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
• Great For Hosting: Made in a 9×13 pan, this baked French toast recipe is ideal for Christmas morning, family brunches, baby showers, or weekend breakfasts. It’s my go-to for feeding a crowd!
• Customizable: Use sourdough or French bread, add nutmeg for extra warmth, or top with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup for the ultimate homemade breakfast casserole.

Ingredients

French Toast Bake

• 1 loaf sourdough OR French bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract

Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Cut the bread into cubes and then evenly distribute them in the pan.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the bread. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add nutmeg if desired. Add butter pieces and cut them into the dry mixture until the mixture resembles fine pebbles. Store in a Ziploc in the fridge.

When ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, more bread pudding texture, OR bake 1 hour or more for a firmer, less liquid texture.

Scoop out individual portions. Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings

Serves 6-8.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover French Toast Bake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. To freeze, place the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transferring to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Holly’s Tips for The Best French Toast Bake Recipe:

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale sourdough or French bread works best for this overnight French toast casserole because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
• Let It Soak Overnight: For the richest flavor and soft custardy center, allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture overnight. This gives the baked French toast the perfect texture.
• Keep The Butter Chilled: Cold butter is key to creating a buttery cinnamon streusel topping with the perfect crisp and crumbly texture after baking.
• Adjust Baking Time As Needed: Bake for about 45 minutes if you love a softer, bread pudding-style French toast casserole. For a firmer texture with crispier edges, bake closer to 1 hour. Please keep an eye on your dish as all ovens vary!
• Use Foil If Browning Too Quickly: If the cinnamon topping starts to brown before the casserole is fully baked, loosely cover the pan with foil during the last portion of baking time.
• Make It Your Own: Add a pinch of nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or orange zest to the custard mixture for extra warmth and holiday flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Similar Recipes

Craving something similar? Make my Berry Croissant Bake.

Wanting something different? Try my savory Breakfast Bake.

Can’t get enough of French Toast? Try these top-loved recipes next: Kneader’s Copycat Chunky Cinnamon French Toast, Cinnamon French Toast Sticks, and Blueberry Croissant French Toast.

Have you made this French Toast Bake recipe? ❤️

Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #FrenchToastBake #LifeInTheLofthouse