Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bake

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Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bake – A Morning to Remember

Hi friends, and welcome back to Dinner with Mom.

Some mornings are meant for slowing down. The kind where you stay in your slippers, pour an extra cup of coffee, and let the scent of cinnamon and vanilla fill the house. This Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bake is made for mornings like that.

This recipe reminds me so much of the holidays at Grandma’s house. She always had something baking in the oven—something sweet, warm, and welcoming. We’d gather around her little kitchen table, plates full of something that tasted like love. This French toast bake captures all of that. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and best of all, you prep it the night before so your morning is as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Make-ahead magic – assemble it the night before, bake it fresh in the morning.

• Buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite.

• Feeds a crowd—perfect for holidays, guests, or hungry little ones.

• Tastes like the inside of a cinnamon roll, but without all the work.

Mom’s Little Tip:

Use slightly stale bread if you can—it soaks up the custard beautifully without getting mushy. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a few dollops of cream cheese before baking… it’s heavenly.

This dish is everything I love about breakfast: warm, easy, full of flavor, and built for gathering. Whether it’s Christmas morning, a weekend brunch, or just a regular Tuesday that needs a little sweetness, this French toast bake always delivers.

Here’s to breakfast that feels like a hug—and to the little traditions that make our mornings brighter.

Recipe

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 6 large eggs

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Optional Topping:

• Powdered sugar or maple syrup

• Chopped pecans or walnuts

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add cubed bread in an even layer.

2. Make the Custard:In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to make sure all the bread is soaking up the custard.

3. Add the Swirl:In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle it all over the top of the casserole. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

4. Bake:Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.

5. Serve:Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with toasted nuts for extra texture. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles.