Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bake Recipe

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If you want a breakfast that tastes like warm cinnamon rolls and cozy holiday mornings, this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Bake is exactly what you need.

It’s soft on the inside, golden and crispy on top, and drenched in buttery cinnamon sugar.

Best of all? You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

Perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or feeding a crowd, this French toast bake is easy, indulgent, and always a family favorite.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • Easy make-ahead option: Assemble the night before to save time.

  • Uses simple ingredients: Bread, eggs, spices, and butter—done!

  • Kid-friendly and holiday-friendly.

  • Warm, cinnamon roll flavor without the work of making dough.

🥖 Ingredients

For the French Toast Bake

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)

  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar

  • Maple syrup

  • Fresh berries

  • Whipped cream

🍞 Instructions

1. Prep the Bread

Cut your brioche or challah into cubes and let them sit out for 1–2 hours to dry slightly.
(Dry bread absorbs custard better and prevents sogginess.)

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the bread cubes.

2. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs

  • Whole milk

  • Heavy cream

  • Sugar

  • Brown sugar

  • Vanilla

  • Cinnamon

  • Nutmeg

  • Salt

Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so all pieces soak well.

3. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Drizzle evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

4. Chill (Optional but BEST)

Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight, or at least 1 hour.
This deepens the flavor and improves the texture.

5. Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.

  • For a softer bake: reduce baking time by 5 minutes.

  • For crispier edges: bake closer to 50 minutes.

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

🍁 Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

  • Maple syrup

  • A dusting of powdered sugar

  • Fresh berries

  • A dollop of whipped cream

  • A side of crispy bacon or sausage

This dish shines during Christmas brunch, weekend sleepovers, or potluck breakfasts.

📝 Tips & Variations

  • Use stale bread: Fresh bread can become mushy.

  • Add cream cheese: Drop small dollops on the bread before adding the custard.

  • Add apples: Toss in diced apples for a caramel apple twist.

  • Swap sugars: Use only brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.

  • Add pecans or walnuts: For crunch and extra richness.

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