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Cozy Fall Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

brown sugar cinnamon french toast casserole - featured image

A warm, comforting French toast casserole featuring brown sugar and cinnamon, perfect for cozy fall mornings and holiday breakfasts. It has a soft custardy texture inside with a slightly crisp top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed brioche bread (about 10 ounces / 280 grams), day-old recommended
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml), or half-and-half for creamier texture
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter, for greasing the dish
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, chopped pecans, fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Cube the brioche into roughly 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. If not day-old, toast lightly to help it absorb the custard without falling apart. Place cubes in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and the brown sugar dissolves.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread soak it up without smashing.
  4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully absorb.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  6. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with optional toppings like maple syrup, chopped pecans, or fresh berries.

Notes

For best results, soak the bread overnight to achieve a tender, custardy texture. Use day-old brioche or challah bread for sturdiness. If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let the casserole rest before slicing to avoid a messy texture. Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions are possible with appropriate ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, brown sugar, cinnamon, fall breakfast, brunch, easy breakfast casserole, brioche French toast