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
- Prepare the baking pan: Spray one 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the bread: Cut the French bread into bite-sized chunks and place them evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bread and custard mixture for several hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- 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.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and remove the plastic wrap from the bread mixture.
- Add the topping: Crumble the prepared cinnamon brown sugar topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking pan.
- Bake: Bake the French toast bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- 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
