Cinnamon Swirl Baked French Toast Casserole
Indulge in a delicious morning treat with this Cinnamon Swirl Baked French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a weekend brunch or festive breakfast gathering, this dish offers a comforting blend of creamy custard with hints of cinnamon and sweet vanilla, baked to golden perfection. Substitute skim milk for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Try it with apple cinnamon bread for an extra aromatic twist.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cinnamon-swirl bread or cinnamon raisin bread
12 slices (none)
Half & half or light cream
16 ounces (none)
Eggs
2 large (beaten)
Butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
3
Layer the slices of cinnamon-swirl bread in the prepared pan, creating two layers.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the half & half, beaten eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
5
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is covered. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb some of the liquid, ensuring that it doesn’t float.
6
Allow the mixture to soak for about 10 minutes to ensure the bread fully absorbs the liquid.
7
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The top should be golden brown.
8
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bread is recommended for this casserole?
Cinnamon-swirl bread or cinnamon raisin bread is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I make a lower calorie version of this French toast?
Yes, you can substitute skim milk for the half & half to create a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
How long should the casserole bake?
The casserole should bake for about 45 minutes in a preheated oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields between 4 and 6 servings.
What size baking pan is needed?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is required for this recipe.
How many slices of bread are used?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of cinnamon-swirl bread.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 2 large beaten eggs.
What type of sugar is used in the custard?
Packed brown sugar is used to sweeten the custard mixture.
How much vanilla extract should I add?
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixing bowl.
Is ground cinnamon included in the custard?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is whisked into the custard mixture.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
What liquid forms the base of the custard?
16 ounces of half & half or light cream forms the custard base.
How should the bread be layered in the pan?
Layer the slices of bread to create two even layers in the pan.
Why do I need to soak the bread?
Soaking allows the bread to fully absorb the custard liquid before baking.
How long is the recommended soak time?
The mixture should soak for about 10 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for doneness?
The casserole should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
How can I tell the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the middle is set and the top has turned golden brown.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray before adding the bread.
What should I do after pouring the custard over the bread?
Press down gently on the bread slices to help them absorb liquid and prevent floating.
Can I use apple cinnamon bread instead?
Yes, using apple cinnamon bread is a great way to add an extra aromatic twist.
Should the French toast be served immediately?
Allow it to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving warm.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Yes, it is perfect for a weekend brunch or a festive breakfast gathering.
What ingredients are whisked together for the custard?
Whisk together half & half, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, the 6 tablespoons of butter should be melted.
Do the eggs need to be prepared before mixing?
Yes, the eggs should be beaten before being added to the custard mixture.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting blend of creamy custard and sweet spices.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.