Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Baked French Toast is a delicious and comforting breakfast dish that’s perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. This recipe transforms traditional French toast into a decadent, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s rich with the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and a buttery crumb topping. Prepared the night before and baked in the morning, it’s an easy way to serve a warm, homemade breakfast without the morning rush.
What is Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast?
Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Baked French Toast is a baked version of the classic breakfast dish, where slices of bread are soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, and then topped with a buttery, cinnamon-infused streusel. The result is a soft, custardy interior with a golden, crispy topping. This dish is prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
Other Popular Recipes
- Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Paula Deen Candied Yams
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the French toast the night before and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a buttery topping creates a decadent flavor experience.
- Perfect for Crowds: This baked French toast serves a large group, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe is both easy and accessible.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the French toast.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing the egg mixture and topping.
- Whisk: For blending the ingredients together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For cubing the bread.
- Plastic Wrap: Cover the baking dish if made the night before.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: For mixing the crumb topping.
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the pieces are coated. Gently press down the bread to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Cover and Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the French toast is set in the middle. If you prefer a softer texture, bake for the shorter time; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
- Serve: Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apple slices.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
- Bacon or Sausage: Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory balance.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a custardy interior.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling: Letting the bread soak in the egg mixture overnight ensures the best texture and flavor.
- Customize the Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added crunch.
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the center is set before removing the dish from the oven. If it’s too jiggly, bake a few minutes longer.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked French toast to sit for a few minutes before cutting into it, so it sets and is easier to serve.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
- Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Add thinly sliced apples between the layers of bread for a fruity twist.
- Berry Baked French Toast: Mix in fresh or frozen berries with the bread before soaking in the egg mixture.
- Nutty Baked French Toast: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Baked French Toast: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread cubes before pouring on the egg mixture.
- Pumpkin Spice Baked French Toast: Add a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the egg mixture for a seasonal variation.
Storing Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Best Practices
- Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Reheat the French toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast Healthier?
- Use Whole Grain Bread: Substitute white bread with whole grain or whole wheat bread for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the sugar in both the egg mixture and topping for a less sweet version.
- Use Low-Fat Dairy: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with low-fat milk and half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
- Add More Fruit: Increase the amount of fruit in the recipe, such as adding sliced bananas or berries for natural sweetness.
- Skip the Butter in the Topping: Use a plant-based butter alternative or reduce the amount of butter in the crumb topping.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 10g
FAQs
How do I prevent Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast from becoming too soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread, and don’t skip the overnight soaking step. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture evenly without becoming overly saturated.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and simply bake it in the morning. It’s a great option for stress-free entertaining or family breakfasts.
What toppings pair best with Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast?
This baked French toast pairs wonderfully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Can I customize Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast?
Absolutely! You can add fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like pumpkin pie spice to make this dish your own. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Baked French Toast is the ultimate comfort food, combining the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of a custardy French toast casserole. Perfect for serving a crowd, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious.
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Taco Potatoes
- Pioneer Woman Baked Breaded Chicken Tenders
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Baked Beans
- Paula Deen Chicken Spaghetti
Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Baked French Toast
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Baked French Toast is a baked version of the classic breakfast dish, where slices of bread are soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices, then topped with a buttery, cinnamon-infused streusel. The result is a soft, custardy interior with a golden, crispy topping. This dish is prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the pieces are coated. Gently press down the bread to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Cover and Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the French toast is set in the middle. If you prefer a softer texture, bake for the shorter time; for a firmer texture, bake longer.
- Serve: Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
