Baked Cinnamon French Toast

Who doesn’t love waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house on a lazy weekend morning? This Baked Cinnamon French Toast recipe is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. It’s perfect for a cozy brunch with family or a special treat for yourself. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a stress-free breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread, preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
– Maple syrup, for serving
– Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the bread cubes in the dish in an even layer.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to coat them evenly. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.

5. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

6. Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the soaked bread cubes.

7. Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh berries, if desired.

Enjoy your Baked Cinnamon French Toast warm and fresh out of the oven. The combination of sweet cinnamon, creamy custard, and crusty bread will make every bite a delightful experience. This recipe is a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a special breakfast without a lot of fuss. Make it a part of your weekend routine and savor the cozy flavors that will brighten your mornings.