Cinnamon Cranberry Overnight Bake
This delightful Cinnamon Cranberry Overnight Bake is the perfect solution for a cozy breakfast. Utilizing homemade cinnamon swirl bread, this dish combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and tart cranberries to create a warm and inviting meal. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal option for busy mornings or festive brunches. Simply assemble the night before, let it soak in the delicious custard, and bake it to perfection the next morning for a hearty breakfast that the whole family will love.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
cinnamon-swirl bread
1 loaf (cubed)
dried cranberries
1 cup (none)
egg substitute
1 cup (none)
skim milk
1/2 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F, but wait to put the casserole in until the oven is completely heated.
2
Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
3
Place the cubed cinnamon swirl bread evenly in the casserole and sprinkle the dried cranberries over the top.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg substitute, skim milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cranberries, ensuring all pieces are coated.
6
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
7
The next morning, remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover it.
8
Place the cold casserole dish in the middle of the cold oven and turn the oven to 350°F.
9
Once the oven reaches temperature, set a timer for 40 minutes.
10
Bake until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. If needed, you can cover the dish with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
11
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm cinnamon cranberry bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cinnamon Cranberry Overnight Bake?
It is a delightful breakfast casserole that combines cubed cinnamon swirl bread and tart dried cranberries with a vanilla custard, which is soaked overnight and baked the next morning.
Can I use real eggs instead of egg substitute?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of egg substitute with approximately 4 large eggs.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the cinnamon swirl bread?
The bread should be cut into cubes before being placed evenly in the casserole dish.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, while the recipe calls for skim milk, whole milk or any other variety can be used for a richer flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the baking temperature for this dish?
The casserole should be baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does the dish need to be refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a moist and hearty texture.
How long does it take to bake?
Once the oven reaches 350 degrees, the bake takes approximately 40 minutes.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, although the flavor will be more tart compared to the sweetened dried version.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The dish is finished when the center is set and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, you should grease the 9x13 inch dish to prevent the bread from sticking.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The primary flavors are comforting cinnamon and tart cranberries.
Can I add nuts to this bake?
Yes, adding pecans or walnuts would provide an excellent crunch to the dish.
Should I preheat the oven before taking the dish out of the fridge?
The instructions recommend placing the cold casserole dish in a cold oven and then turning the oven to 350 degrees.
How can I prevent the bake from browning too much?
You can cover the dish with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process if it starts to brown too quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the skim milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or soy milk.
Does the bake need to cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the custard set and makes it easier to serve.
Is this a good option for holiday brunches?
Absolutely, its ease of preparation and festive flavors make it ideal for holiday mornings.
What ingredients do I need for the custard?
The custard consists of egg substitute, skim milk, and vanilla extract.
Can I use raisins instead of dried cranberries?
Yes, raisins are a suitable substitute for dried cranberries if you prefer.
How should I store any leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon bread?
Yes, any brand of cinnamon swirl bread will work well for this recipe.
Is this a filling breakfast?
Yes, it is a hearty and inviting meal that is satisfying for the whole family.
Can I assemble this the morning of instead of overnight?
While overnight is best for the bread to absorb the custard, you can let it soak for at least 2-4 hours if necessary.
What type of cranberries are best?
Dried cranberries are recommended as they provide a concentrated tart-sweet flavor.
Should I cover the dish in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil while it soaks overnight.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly recipe?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as the bread and egg substitute meet your dietary standards.
Does this recipe save time on busy mornings?
Yes, because the assembly is done the night before, you only need to put it in the oven the next morning.