Baked Cinnamon French Toast

I first made this crowd-pleasing Baked Cinnamon French Toast several years ago for my mom on Mother’s Day. It now makes a regular appearance for special breakfasts and brunches in our house. Basically a breakfast bread pudding, its slightly custardy, French toast consistency gives it a comforting, recognizable feel.

The secrets to Baked French Toast’s appeal

I believe the two real secrets to this easy baked French toast’s appeal are the cinnamon and the raisins baked into the bread. Cinnamon is a strong, pungent, slightly woody spice that gives this dish a warm blast of flavor, in an earthy sort of way. And, the raisins provide subtle hints of fruit and bits of chewiness.

How to make Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Here is a summary of the easy steps in this scrumptious dish (full details below in the recipe!).

1. Prepare the bread.Brush slices of purchased cinnamon raisin bread with butter and place in one layer in a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix and add the custard.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, whole milk, cream and vanilla. Pour over bread slices to soak completely.
3. Let rest.Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours, to allow the custard mixture to soak into the bread.
4. Prep the pan and bake.Place baking dish on a larger rimmed baking sheet or dish. Fill outer dish with 2 cups water. Bake until lightly browned on top and custard is set.
5. Let sit, garnish and serve.Remove baked dish from the oven and let sit for a few minutes at room temperature, then top with fresh berries and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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What to serve with Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Here are my favorite dishes to serve with this baked French toast:

• Spiced Bacon Twists
• Banana Mango Smoothie
• Sausage, Cheese and Hash Brown Strata
• Mini Bagels with Egg Salad and Smoked Salmon

If this recipe looks familiar to you, perhaps it’s because it’s in my cookbook A Well-Seasoned Kitchen® under its earlier name “Cinnamon Raisin Bread Custard with Fresh Berries.”

Tags: bread pudding, easy brunch dishes, egg dishes, make ahead breakfast, make ahead brunch

Categories: Breakfast and Brunch, Easy Pantry Recipes, WSK Recipes

Welcome!

I’m Lee Clayton Roper, and I’m passionate about making cooking and entertaining easy, elegant and fun. On my website you’ll find scrumptious recipes, helpful tips and seasonal menus that will spark inspiration in your kitchen!