There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon, especially when it’s baked into something warm, custardy, and just a little sweet. Enter the cinnamon raisin French toast bake — a comfort-packed breakfast casserole that feels like a weekend hug on a plate.
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a special holiday brunch, or just a craving for something cozy, this dish delivers big-time flavor with minimal effort. And yes, it’s totally make-ahead friendly — which means more coffee and less stress.
Why You’ll Love This Bake
Let’s be honest: French toast is amazing. But standing at the stove flipping slices one at a time? Not so much. That’s why the baked version is a lifesaver.
Here’s what makes this version a repeat favorite:
- 🕒 Time-saver: Assemble the night before, bake in the morning
- 🍞 Rich texture: Crispy on top, custardy in the middle
- 🍇 Naturally sweet: Thanks to juicy raisins
- 👨👩👧👦 Feeds a crowd: Great for brunch or holidays
- 🍂 Ultimate cozy vibes: Warm cinnamon goodness in every bite
What Is Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a casserole-style twist on traditional French toast, using cinnamon raisin bread instead of plain bread. The bread soaks in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, then bakes into a golden, puffy dish that’s soft inside and caramelized on top.
The result? Dessert-for-breakfast energy with none of the fuss.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a handy table of ingredients to help you plan:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon raisin bread | 1 loaf (about 12 slices) |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Unsweetened plant milk (or dairy) | 2 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Nutmeg (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Brown sugar (or maple syrup) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Raisins (extra) | ½ cup |
| Butter or oil (for greasing) | As needed |
| Powdered sugar (for topping) | Optional |
Optional add-ins: chopped apples, chopped pecans, dairy-free cream cheese chunks, or banana slices.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread
Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into cubes (about 1–2 inches). If it’s slightly stale, even better — it soaks up more custard!
2. Grease Your Baking Dish
Use a 9×13-inch pan or similar casserole dish. Grease it lightly with vegan butter or neutral oil.
3. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
4. Assemble the Bake
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Sprinkle on the extra raisins. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently to soak all the cubes.
5. Let It Rest
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the custard fully absorb into the bread.
6. Bake Time!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. The top should be crisp while the center is soft but set.
7. Serve and Garnish
Let it cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy.
Serving Ideas to Elevate the Experience
French toast bake is amazing solo, but it shines even brighter with a few additions:
| Pairing | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Fresh berries | Bright, juicy contrast |
| Coconut whipped cream | Light and airy touch |
| Chopped pecans | Nutty crunch |
| Maple syrup | Classic and cozy |
| Vegan yogurt | Creamy and slightly tangy |
Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists:
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Version
Add 1 cup of chopped apples and increase cinnamon to 2 tsp. Instant fall flavor!
🥜 Peanut Butter Swirl
Dollop creamy peanut butter into the custard before baking.
🍌 Banana Bread Style
Layer sliced bananas in with the bread cubes and use banana-flavored plant milk.
🌰 Nut-Free Version
Skip the pecans and use sunflower seed butter as a drizzle topping.
🥥 Coconut Raisin
Use coconut milk and top with shredded coconut for tropical flair.
The best part? You can mix and match flavors based on what’s in your pantry.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 |
| Protein | 7–9g |
| Carbohydrates | 38–42g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Sugar (natural + added) | 10–14g |
| Fat | 10–12g |
| Cholesterol | Varies (egg content) |
Want a lighter version? Use egg whites, skip added sugar, and serve with fruit instead of syrup.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Yes, leftovers are a blessing here. This dish reheats beautifully!
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months (slice first) |
To reheat:
- Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
- Oven: 10 minutes at 350°F for a crisper top
Pro tip: Add a splash of milk when reheating to revive moisture.
Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
This is the dish for holiday mornings or guests:
- Assemble the night before: Save time and reduce morning chaos
- Use disposable trays: For potlucks or brunch parties
- Bake and freeze portions: Great for grab-and-go weekday breakfasts
Meal prepping just got sweeter — literally.
Kid-Friendly, Family-Approved
This French toast bake is a hit with picky eaters and grown-ups alike. Want to make it even more kid-friendly?
- Skip the nuts
- Add mini chocolate chips
- Let them top it themselves with syrup or berries
- Use cookie cutters to cut the bake into fun shapes after it cools
Cozy Morning Storytime ☕️
The first time I made cinnamon raisin French toast bake was on a snowy December morning. I remember throwing it together the night before, hoping for the best — and waking up to a warm, cinnamon-scented kitchen.
That first bite — golden, soft, raisin-studded goodness — had everyone silent. In the best way. Since then, it’s become our family’s cozy weather tradition.
If you’re looking to create those kinds of mornings — with just enough ease and a whole lot of flavor — this bake is it.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Brunch Rotation
Let’s recap why this cinnamon raisin French toast bake earns its place in your kitchen:
✅ Simple ingredients
✅ One-bowl, one-dish method
✅ Perfect for gatherings or slow Sundays
✅ Easy to adapt and customize
✅ Smells (and tastes) like joy
Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic — even if it’s your first time making it.
Final Slice: Make It Once, Crave It Always
You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a cinnamon raisin French toast bake — but you might find yourself making up reasons just to bake one. It’s cozy. It’s satisfying. And it brings people together in the warmest, most delicious way.
So grab that loaf of cinnamon raisin bread, and let your oven do the heavy lifting. You’ve got brunch dreams to fulfill.
📌 For more warm and easy breakfast ideas, visit bebup.org’s food section
