Cinnamon Toast French Toast: A Decadent, Make-Ahead Breakfast Classic
Discover the irresistible fusion of caramelized cinnamon toast and classic French toast in this oven-baked breakfast everyone will crave.
Cinnamon Toast French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence
If you could distill comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible decadence into a single breakfast dish, it would be Cinnamon Toast French Toast. Originating from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, this innovative recipe brings together the crisp, caramelized excellence of classic cinnamon toast with the soft, custardy embrace of French toast casserole. Designed for easy make-ahead prep and crowd-pleasing brunches, it balances nostalgia with modern convenience and flavor.
Why Cinnamon Toast French Toast is a Game-Changer
- Combines the caramelized crunch of cinnamon toast with the richness of French toast
- Designed for oven baking—no flipping slices individually on a skillet
- Perfect for making ahead: assemble the night before, bake in the morning
- Customizable with toppings for any palate, from fruit to yogurt to classic maple syrup
The Backstory: Reinventing a Classic
The journey to Cinnamon Toast French Toast began as an ode to two cherished breakfast traditions—cinnamon toast and French toast. Cinnamon toast, a simple pleasure involving buttered bread showered in cinnamon sugar and baked to a shattering crunch, is an enduring childhood favorite. French toast, meanwhile, speaks to indulgence—slices bathed in custard and cooked to pillowy perfection. This recipe fuses the best of both, yielding magnificently layered textures and flavors in a hands-off format ideal for home cooks.
The Inspiration from The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook
Developed for The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook (Knopf, October 2012), Cinnamon Toast French Toast showcases creator Deb Perelman’s knack for reimagining comfort food. Aiming for balance and simplicity, she constructs the dish with familiar pantry staples—white bread, cinnamon, sugar, eggs, and milk—and a few clever techniques that amplify their potential.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This dish begins with straightforward building blocks:
- Granulated sugar – forms the sweet, crisp top when caramelized with cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon – delivers warm, aromatic flavor throughout
- White sandwich bread – classic, soft and absorbent (see substitutions)
- Unsalted butter – ensures richness and helps cinnamon sugar adhere
- Whole milk – makes for a tender, custardy base
- Large eggs – create the custard that soaks into the bread
- Table salt – balances the sweetness
- Vanilla extract – brings depth and gentle sweetness
| Ingredient | Amount | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup (100 grams) | For cinnamon sugar blend |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon | Aromatic, essential |
| White sandwich bread | 16 slices (from 1-lb loaf) | Soft, classic or use brioche |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 stick (113 grams) | For bread and dish |
| Whole milk | 3 cups (710 ml) | Custardy texture |
| Large eggs | 6 | Binding and richness |
| Table salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Balancing flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons (10 ml) | Optional but recommended |
Substitutions: Swap in thick-sliced challah or brioche for extra richness, or try multigrain bread for a heartier twist. For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
Step-by-Step Method: From Cinnamon Toast to French Toast Bake
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare two large baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup. This provides the surface needed for caramelizing the cinnamon-sugar topping.
2. Create Cinnamon Sugar and Prepare Bread
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a bowl, mixing until uniform.
- Arrange slices of bread in a single layer across both baking sheets.
- Spread each with approximately 1 teaspoon of butter.
- Sprinkle each with about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar blend.
This layering ensures the bread gets an even, caramelized crust once baked—a crucial upgrade over basic overnight French toasts or soggy casseroles.
3. Toast the Cinnamon Bread
- Bake trays in the preheated oven until slices become golden and the cinnamon sugar on top forms a crisp crust, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- The aroma at this stage is unmatched—think fresh bakery mornings.
- Let the cinnamon toast cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
4. Build the French Toast Casserole
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—the richness is part of the luxury.
- Arrange cinnamon toast in the dish: cut two slices in half horizontally, then line up full slices across the dish in two rows, finishing each row with the half-slices so every portion gets a mix of end and center pieces.
This careful arrangement ensures no one is left with a sad, crusty edge, but rather each serving comes out with a balance of textures.
5. Make and Pour the Custard
- In a medium bowl, whisk milk, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Evenly pour the custard mixture over the arranged cinnamon toast, ensuring full coverage.
Allow the dish to sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) so the bread can absorb the custard, creating its signature soft interior.
6. Final Caramelized Touch
- If you have a little cinnamon sugar left over (as you likely will), sprinkle it atop the assembled bake for extra crunch.
7. Bake
- Bake for about 30 minutes until puffed, beautifully golden, and no liquid custard seeps from beneath the bread when gently pressed.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Cut into neat squares or oblongs and serve warm from the baking dish.
- Enjoy plain, or add a dollop of plain yogurt with fresh berries for a tangy contrast.
- Maple syrup is a classic finisher—pour with abandon for a traditional brunch feel.
- For a special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Variations
Make-Ahead Tips
- Advance Preparation: You can toast the bread and arrange the casserole the night before. Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before baking.
- Speedy Morning: Pour the custard over the bread the next morning and rest for 15 minutes before baking.
Storage
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat individual portions in a low oven or microwave for best texture.
Flavor Variations
- Try replacing white sandwich bread with thick slices of challah or brioche.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar for an autumnal twist.
- Layer thinly sliced apples or pears between the bread before adding custard for a fruit-forward variation.
- For a savory version, reduce sugar and cinnamon, and add crumbled bacon or sausage links between bread layers before baking.
Comparing Cinnamon Toast French Toast to Other Favorites
| Recipe | Texture | Sweetness | Prep Method | Special Touch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon Toast French Toast | Crisp top, tender custard bottom | Cinnamon-sugar crust | Baked, make-ahead | Cinnamon toast base |
| Classic French Toast (skillet) | Soft, sometimes uneven | Variable, usually less pronounced | Fried or grilled, fresh made | Custom toppings |
| Crème Brûlée French Toast | Creamy, caramelized top | Rich, caramel undertones | Baked, syrup poured over bread before soaking | Caramelized sugar topper |
| Challah French Toast | Fluffy, custardy | Mildly sweet | Pan-fried, quick soak | Egg-rich bread |
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute your favorite gluten-free bread. Adjust soaking time if the bread is denser or more fragile.
Can I assemble everything the night before?
Absolutely. You can toast the bread, build the casserole, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature 20 minutes before baking, or pour the custard on the bread in the morning and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before baking.
How many people does this serve?
It easily serves 8 for a brunch, or up to 12 as part of a buffet.
What toppings pair best?
Options include plain yogurt, fresh berries, stone fruit, maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions.
Can I make a half batch?
Yes. Simply halve the recipe and use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch square.
Expert Tips for Foolproof Success
- Be generous but not excessive with butter—it’s key for caramelizing the cinnamon sugar but shouldn’t soak the bread.
- If your slices are thicker or bread is denser, allow more time for the custard to soak in.
- Do not skip the cooling step after the initial toast, to avoid steaming the crust.
- Use fresh, good-quality cinnamon for maximum flavor impact.
Conclusion: The Make-Ahead Marvel Your Brunch Needs
Cinnamon Toast French Toast is more than the sum of its (humble) parts. It’s a celebration of balance—between crunchy and tender, sweet and mellow, childhood nostalgia and grown-up presentation. Whether you’re planning an elaborate brunch or trying to elevate an ordinary weekend breakfast, this dish promises to wow. Assemble ahead, bake to order, and bask in the applause of delighted guests—you’ve earned it!
