Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

ByEthan Lark
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Introduction

This Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a comforting breakfast dish perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. The custardy bread soaked in a sweet cinnamon mixture topped with a buttery crumb makes every bite deliciously cozy and flavorful.

A square white baking dish filled with golden brown bread pudding showing chunky bread pieces stacked unevenly, placed on a white marbled textured wooden table with a striped white and gray table runner. In front, a white scalloped plate holds a cut piece of bread pudding topped with fresh red strawberries and dark blue blueberries, with extra berries scattered around it. A woman's hand in a blue sleeve is holding the plate. Around the baking dish and plate, there are clear glass bowls with fresh strawberries and blueberries, a small glass container of brown sugar with a spoon, and a glass jug with syrup. In the background, white flowers with dark centers in a clear tall vase sit behind a stack of white scalloped plates, and a folded white napkin with blue trim and a fork is beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown With a Hint of Molasses
  • 1 loaf French Bread
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups non-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown With a Hint of Molasses
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spray one 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: Cut the French bread into bite-sized chunks and place them evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, non-fat milk, fat-free half and half, 2/3 cup Truvia Sweet Complete Brown, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread chunks. Gently mix and press down to soak the bread thoroughly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1/3 cup Truvia Sweet Complete Brown, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the sliced butter pieces and use a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms pea-sized chunks.
  7. Step 7: Cover the topping mixture and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  8. Step 8: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the bread mixture and crumble the topping evenly over the surface.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  10. Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious French toast bake.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the crumb topping before baking.
  • Use whole milk or cream instead of non-fat milk and half and half for a richer custard.
  • If you don’t have Truvia Sweet Complete Brown, brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the topping mixture adds warmth and depth.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness to the topping.

How to Serve

The image shows a white, scalloped plate holding a square piece of bread pudding with a golden brown, textured top layer made of baked bread chunks. On top and around the bread pudding are fresh red strawberry slices and small round blue blueberries, adding bright red and blue colors. Behind the plate is a large white baking dish filled with more of the same bread pudding, with pieces of bread baked to a golden brown crust. The scene is set on a white marbled textured wooden table covered with a white and beige striped cloth. Around the dish and plate are clear glass bowls filled with fresh blueberries and strawberries, a clear glass sugar bowl holding brown sugar with a small spoon, and a small clear glass pitcher of amber syrup. A woman's hand in a long-sleeve blue shirt is gently holding the plate at the edge. In the back is a glass vase with white flowers featuring dark centers. A folded white cloth napkin with blue embroidery and a fork rest to the right of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this French toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, assembling the dish and refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard, making it more flavorful and tender when baked.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Sturdy breads like brioche or challah work great for this recipe, providing a soft texture and absorbing the custard well.

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Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: Overnight plus 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake is a delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring tender French bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and vanilla, topped with a sweet and crispy cinnamon brown sugar crumble. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, it delivers classic flavors with a lighter twist using Truvia sweetener and fat-free dairy.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

  • 2/3 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown With a Hint of Molasses
  • 1 loaf French Bread, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 8 Large Eggs
  • 2 cups Non-Fat Milk
  • 1/2 cup Fat-Free Half And Half
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract

Topping

  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/3 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Brown With a Hint of Molasses
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, sliced into pieces
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking pan: Spray one 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut the bread: Cut the French bread into bite-sized chunks and place them evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  3. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups non-fat milk, 1/2 cup fat-free half and half, 2/3 cup Truvia Sweet Complete Brown with a Hint of Molasses, and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
  4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread chunks, gently mix to coat all pieces, and press down lightly. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the bread and custard mixture for several hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup Truvia Sweet Complete Brown with a Hint of Molasses, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the sliced unsalted butter pieces and use a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized chunks form. Cover and refrigerate the topping mixture until ready to use.
  7. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and remove the plastic wrap from the bread mixture.
  8. Add the topping: Crumble the prepared cinnamon brown sugar topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking pan.
  9. Bake: Bake the French toast bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  10. Serve warm: Allow the bake to cool slightly after baking, then serve warm for a comforting and delicious breakfast.

Notes

  • For best results, soak the bread overnight to ensure it absorbs maximum flavor and moisture.
  • You can use any sturdy bread such as brioche or challah if French bread is not available.
  • The topping can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator to save time in the morning.
  • Make sure to cover the baking pan tightly during refrigeration to prevent the bread from drying out.
  • Serve with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: French toast bake, cinnamon French toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, brown sugar cinnamon, healthy French toast, holiday brunch recipe

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