Name: Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices; 8 large eggs, beaten; 2 ½ cups whole milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ cup, plus 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons flour; 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

This Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast is a perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. With a rich cream cheese filling and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced crunch on top, every bite is a delicious combination of creamy, crispy, and sweet. It’s baked to golden perfection and is just as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special morning, this recipe is sure to impress.

Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast is how it takes the classic French toast and turns it into something extra special. The cream cheese filling adds a layer of richness and creaminess, while the cinnamon sugar topping creates the perfect crunch. It’s comforting, satisfying, and a treat for the senses, all in one dish. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the French Toast:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
8 large eggs, beaten
2 ½ cups whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup brown sugar
2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Crunchy Topping:

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons flour
2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Directions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

Whip the Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese for 1 minute until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then gradually increase the speed to high. Whip until the mixture is fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Stuff the Bread: Take the bread slices and make a 1-inch slit at the top of each slice. Carefully create space inside the bread, being careful not to poke through to the other side. Spread the whipped cream cheese inside each slice, then press the bread back together. You won’t need all of the cream cheese filling, so save the rest for serving.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Submerge each piece of stuffed bread into the egg mixture, making sure the bread soaks up the egg mixture for at least a minute on each side. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread slices, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
Chill: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the French toast for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you prefer to prepare it ahead of time.

Bake the French Toast:

Make the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, flour, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bread slices.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the French toast is deeply golden and crispy on top.

Serve:

Serve Warm: Once baked, serve the French toast warm. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of syrup. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for feeding a group. It takes about 30 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake, with a total time of 1 hour and 45 minutes if you include the chilling time. If you prepare it ahead of time, it’s an ideal dish to have ready for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.

Variations

Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, you can add slices of fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries between the bread slices before baking.
Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crunchy topping for extra texture and flavor.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup on top of the French toast for a classic breakfast touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, but for the best texture, reheating in the oven is preferred.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while challah bread gives this dish a rich texture, you can use brioche or even thick-cut white bread as a substitute.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the French toast and let it chill in the fridge overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

How do I get the topping extra crispy?

To achieve an extra crispy topping, make sure to bake the French toast uncovered for the last 20-25 minutes. You can also increase the oven temperature slightly if you like an even crunchier finish.

Can I freeze this French toast?

Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast. Once it’s cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives?

Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use non-dairy cream cheese for the filling to make it dairy-free.

Conclusion

This Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast is a delightful, indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. I love how easy it is to make, and how the cream cheese filling and cinnamon crunch topping take it to the next level. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special brunch or treating yourself on a weekend morning, this French toast is sure to become a favorite!

Baked Cinnamon Crunch French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe