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- 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional garnishes: powdered sugar, maple syrup Gather these ingredients for a cozy breakfast treat. I love using challah bread because it soaks up the egg mixture well. The eggs and dairy make the casserole creamy. The brown and granulated sugars give it a sweet crunch on top. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, while vanilla gives it a lovely aroma. Melted butter helps combine the brown sugar for a perfect topping. Don't forget the salt; it enhances all the flavors. You can top your finished dish with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup for extra sweetness. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven is key for a great bake. Set it to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. Next, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step prevents sticking and makes serving easy. Now, let’s mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, crack six large eggs. Whisk them well. Add two cups of whole milk, half a cup of heavy cream, one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, a quarter cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. This blend creates a rich base for your casserole. It’s time to combine! Gently fold in the cubed challah bread. Ensure all cubes get coated with the egg mixture. This step is important for flavor. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up all those yummy flavors. In a small bowl, mix half a cup of packed brown sugar with a quarter cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until it’s well blended and crumbly. The goal is a thick, sandy texture. This mixture adds sweetness and a nice crunch on top. Start layering your casserole. Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into the greased dish. Drizzle half of the brown sugar mixture over it. Then, add the rest of the bread mixture. Finally, drizzle the remaining brown sugar mixture on top. This layered approach gives the casserole great texture. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep moisture in while baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. When it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Serve warm slices drizzled with maple syrup. Enjoy this delightful dish at breakfast or brunch! Using challah bread gives a soft and rich flavor to the casserole. Its eggy texture absorbs the custard well. This bread makes every bite delightful. If you do not have challah, try brioche or French bread. Both options work well and add nice sweetness. To avoid sogginess, let the bread soak only for 15 minutes. This allows it to absorb the liquid without getting too wet. If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the soaking time. Adjust baking time for your taste. If you want a crispier top, bake it longer without the foil for a few extra minutes. Cut the casserole into even squares. Stack them neatly on a plate for a great look. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for elegance. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add color too. This makes the dish even more appealing and tasty. Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use day-old challah or bread. This will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy. Customize the Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist in your casserole. Overnight Option: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate. This allows the bread to soak up the custard overnight for enhanced flavor. Serving Suggestions: Pair with fresh fruits like berries or banana slices and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful brunch presentation. {{image_4}} You can add fun fruits to your casserole. Berries like strawberries and blueberries work great. Bananas also add a nice sweetness. They give a fresh taste too! You can switch up spices for more flavor. Try nutmeg for warmth or cardamom for a hint of spice. Each choice gives a new twist to the dish. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many stores sell good options now. For dairy-free, swap whole milk and cream with almond or oat milk. You can also use coconut milk for a richer taste. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Think about what to serve with your casserole. Crispy bacon or sausage can make it heartier. You can also add fresh fruit on the side for brightness. This dish works well as breakfast or dessert. Drizzle it with maple syrup for breakfast or add whipped cream for dessert. Each way makes it special. To keep your baked cinnamon sugar French toast casserole fresh, refrigerate it. Place it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it. Cut the casserole into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, aim to use it within 2 to 3 months for the best taste. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole slices in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep the moisture. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for quick servings. Just make sure to watch the time. After reheating, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup. This adds a sweet touch to each slice. Enjoy your flavorful breakfast or brunch! Yes, you can prep this casserole in advance. To do this, follow these tips: - Prepare the casserole up to the baking step. - Cover it well and store it in the fridge overnight. - When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge. Let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. - Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This way, you save time on busy mornings. You can enjoy a warm, tasty meal without stress. If you want to replace eggs, here are some great options: - Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. - Try 1/4 cup of mashed banana. - Use a commercial egg replacer according to the package. These changes may alter the texture and flavor a bit, but they work well. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness, while banana gives a fruity taste. Look for these signs to check if the casserole is ready: - The top should be a golden brown color. - The center should feel firm, not jiggly. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is done. If it has wet batter on it, bake a little longer. This way, you ensure every piece is fully cooked and delicious. You learned how to make a tasty challah French toast casserole. We covered key ingredients, like eggs and milk, plus essential steps for mixing and baking. Remember to layer well for great flavor and texture. You can customize with fruits or spices, and adjust for diets too. Follow my tips to store and reheat leftovers correctly. Enjoy this dish for breakfast or dessert. Get creative with garnishes, and make it your own!

Baked Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Casserole

A delicious baked casserole made with challah bread, eggs, and a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • to taste powdered sugar, for dusting
  • to taste maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • In a large mixing bowl, crack the six eggs and whisk them together with the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Gently fold the cubed challah bread into the egg mixture, ensuring that all the bread cubes are coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, letting the bread absorb the flavors.
  • In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar with the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the mixture is fully blended and has a crumbly texture.
  • Carefully pour half of the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top. Next, add the remaining bread mixture, followed by the remainder of the brown sugar mixture in a drizzle.
  • Using a spatula, gently press down on the bread layer to ensure that it absorbs any excess liquid for better texture.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center has set.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes once removed from the oven. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
  • Serve warm slices drizzled generously with maple syrup, making it a delightful dish for breakfast or brunch.

Notes

Cut the casserole into square portions and stack them artfully on a dessert plate. Garnish with a handful of fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing presentation.
Keyword breakfast, brunch, casserole, French toast