Easy Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe for Perfect Breakfast

Let me tell you, the scent of warm cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water first thing in the morning. The first time I baked this Easy Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Bake, it was on a chilly weekend when I wanted something comforting but fuss-free. I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. When I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma used to make a similar dish, but this version is dangerously easy and packed with that nostalgic, cozy flavor you crave.

Honestly, my family couldn’t stop sneaking bites off the cooling dish (and I can’t really blame them). This recipe has become a staple for lazy Sunday mornings, holiday brunches, and even potlucks. You know what’s great? It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you want a homemade breakfast without the stress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this cinnamon French toast bake feels like a warm hug on a plate.

After testing it multiple times (in the name of research, of course), I can say it’s pure, nostalgic comfort that you’re going to want to bookmark. It’s the kind of easy overnight cinnamon French toast bake that brightens up your Pinterest cookie board and your breakfast table alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just good—it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Here’s why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen:

• Quick & Easy: Prep takes just 10 minutes, and then you let it do its magic overnight. Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry—no fancy grocery trips needed.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or a breakfast-for-dinner night, it fits right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the soft, custardy center and crispy cinnamon topping.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The sweet, spiced aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture are next-level comfort food.

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the overnight soak that lets the bread absorb all those buttery cinnamon flavors, creating a custard that’s rich but light. Plus, the sprinkle of brown sugar on top caramelizes just right in the oven, giving you that perfect golden crust. Honestly, it’s comfort food reimagined—simple, no-fuss, but with all the soul-soothing satisfaction you want from classic French toast.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, and substitutions are easy if needed.

• Bread: 8 cups of sturdy bread cubes (about 10 slices)—I recommend brioche or challah for richness, but day-old French bread works great too.
• Eggs: 6 large eggs, room temperature (adds richness and structure).
• Milk: 2 cups whole milk (use almond or oat milk if you want dairy-free).
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (optional but makes it extra creamy).
• Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon for that warm, spicy kick.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (trust me, don’t skip this).
• Sugar: ½ cup granulated sugar (or swap half for brown sugar for a deeper flavor).
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and helps with the crispy topping).
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup for sprinkling on top (creates that perfect caramelized crust).
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon just to balance flavors.

If you want to switch things up, try swapping the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall or adding a handful of chopped nuts for texture. I personally love using challah from my local bakery—it gives the best custard soak and buttery flavor.

Equipment Needed

• A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish—glass or ceramic work best for even baking.
• Mixing bowls for whisking the eggs and milk mixture.
• Whisk or fork to blend the custard ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts.
• Rubber spatula or spoon for folding the bread gently.
• If you want to speed up prep, a sharp knife for cubing the bread neatly.

I’ve tried this recipe with metal and glass pans—glass retains heat better and gives a more golden crust, but metal works too if that’s what you have. No fancy gadgets needed, which is part of the charm.

Preparation Method

1. Cube the Bread: Cut about 10 slices of sturdy bread into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to dry it out a bit. This helps soak up the custard better.
2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth and fragrant. This should take about 3 minutes.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Place the bread cubes in your 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to soak up the custard, making sure every piece gets coated.
4. Cover and Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This step is key—it lets the bread absorb all that custard, resulting in a creamy, custardy bake.
5. Add Topping Before Baking: The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge. Drizzle 4 tablespoons (60 g) melted unsalted butter over the top, then sprinkle ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar evenly across the surface. This will caramelize into a golden crust.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up a bit but keeps that luscious texture inside.

If you notice the top browning too fast, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking. The smell when it’s done is pure heaven—warm cinnamon, buttery sweetness, and that inviting baked aroma that fills the whole house.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this easy overnight cinnamon French toast bake more times than I can count:

• Use Day-Old or Slightly Dry Bread: Fresh bread can get mushy. Toasting it lightly before soaking solves that problem and guarantees a better texture.
• Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This is the secret to that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth center. If you’re in a rush, soak for at least 2 hours but overnight is best.
• Room Temperature Eggs & Milk: Cold ingredients can cause the custard to separate or not soak properly. Let them sit out for 15 minutes before mixing.
• Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a little different. Start checking around 40 minutes to avoid drying out the custard.
• Butter and Brown Sugar Topping: This combo caramelizes beautifully, but if you want a crunchier texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Multitask: While this bakes, get your coffee or fresh fruit ready so you’re set for a no-fuss breakfast.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is pretty forgiving and versatile. Here are some ways I’ve switched it up:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and almond milk to make it allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water), use coconut or almond milk, and vegan butter. The texture changes slightly but still delicious.
• Flavor Twists: Add orange zest and swap cinnamon for cardamom for a bright, unique flavor. Or stir in chocolate chips or fresh berries before baking for a sweet surprise.
• Different Cooking Methods: This bake works well in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours if you want to free up oven space.
• Personal Favorite: I’ve added a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and sweetness—totally worth it!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This overnight cinnamon French toast bake is best served warm, right out of the oven, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. I like pairing it with crispy bacon or fresh fruit on the side to balance sweet and savory.

Leftovers? No worries! Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that crispy top without drying it out. You can also microwave individual slices, but the texture won’t be as crisp.

Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight in the fridge, so if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day. Just reheat gently and enjoy.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe offers a comforting breakfast that’s also fairly balanced. Each serving (about 1/8 of the dish) contains roughly:

Calories	320
Protein	9g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	14g
Sugar	15g

The eggs provide good protein, while the cinnamon adds antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Using whole milk and cream gives richness but also calcium and vitamin D. You can keep it lighter by swapping heavy cream for more milk or using a sugar substitute.

Keep in mind: this recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, so not suitable for certain allergies unless adapted. From a wellness standpoint, it’s a satisfying way to start your day with energy and cozy flavors without complicated prep.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, this Easy Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Bake is worth trying. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The best part? You can customize it to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs without losing that soul-soothing cinnamon goodness.

I love how this dish effortlessly turns simple ingredients into something special, perfect for busy mornings or lazy brunches. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your favorite tweaks—I’m always curious how you put your spin on it.

Here’s to many delicious mornings ahead!

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this French toast bake?

Yes! Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or French bread work best because they hold up well soaking in the custard. Avoid very soft sandwich bread, as it can get mushy.

How long can I refrigerate the bake before cooking?

Ideally, soak overnight for 6-12 hours. You can refrigerate up to 24 hours, but beyond that, the bread may become too soggy.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread and plant-based milk for gluten-free. For vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm leftovers in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the top crisp. Microwaving works for convenience but may soften the crust.

Can I add fruit or nuts to the bake?

Yes! Fresh berries, sliced apples, or chopped nuts like pecans add great texture and flavor. Just sprinkle them over the bread before pouring the custard.

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