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Easy Overnight Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast

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This overnight cinnamon roll baked French toast is a budget-friendly, make-ahead breakfast that feeds a crowd. With a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and soft, custard-like center, it’s a kid-approved family favorite that makes weekend mornings magical.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (about 1 large loaf of French bread or brioche)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prep the bread: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and let dry out for an hour if not already stale.
  2. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
  3. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy (about 1 minute). Add milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until fully combined and sugar dissolves.
  4. Layer the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the bread cubes evenly. Drop spoonfuls of half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the bread and gently spread.
  5. Add the second layer: Top with remaining bread cubes. Drop remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top and spread gently. Pour custard evenly over everything, pressing down lightly with a spatula to ensure all bread is soaked.
  6. Overnight soak: Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, up to 24 hours.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge while oven heats (about 15 minutes). Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until top is golden brown and center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
  8. Make the glaze: While French toast bakes, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until glossy and pourable. If too thick, add another tablespoon of milk.
  9. Rest and serve: Let baked French toast rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze and serve warm.

Notes

Use stale bread for best texture. The overnight soak is crucial for perfect custard consistency. If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil for last 10 minutes. Double the glaze recipe for extra. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast, cinnamon roll French toast, baked French toast, make-ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, kid-friendly breakfast, budget-friendly breakfast

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-overnight-cinnamon-roll-baked-french-toast/