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French Toast Bake Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel Topping

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This cozy French Toast Bake features custardy brioche or challah bread, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing brunch casserole perfect for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Pure maple syrup (for serving)
  • Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cube 1 pound of day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or dry in a low oven (300°F for 10 minutes).
  2. Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer bread cubes evenly in the pan.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Pour custard evenly over bread cubes. Gently press down with a spatula so every piece gets soaked. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, or cover and chill overnight.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, flour, cinnamon, pinch of salt, and optional nuts until crumbly.
  6. Sprinkle cinnamon streusel evenly over soaked bread.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes.
  8. Let bake rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with berries.

Notes

Use dry bread for best texture. Prep the bake the night before for easy mornings. Streusel topping should be added just before baking for maximum crunch. Adapt with gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients as needed. Add fruit or nuts for variety. Let rest after baking for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, cinnamon streusel, brunch casserole, easy breakfast, holiday brunch, cozy recipe, make ahead, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/french-toast-bake-recipe-with-cinnamon-streusel-topping-easy-cozy-brunch/