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
Scale
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.