Why You’ll Love this Golden Cinnamon French Toast
Breakfast bliss comes in many forms, but this Golden Cinnamon French Toast takes morning indulgence to an entirely new level.
I’m talking about that perfect balance of custardy interior and crispy edges, crowned with a brown sugar-cinnamon topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
What makes this recipe special? You can prepare it the night before, letting those sourdough or French bread chunks soak up that rich vanilla-infused custard.
Need a stress-free breakfast option for guests? This is it. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will have everyone gathering around your table, spoons at the ready.
What Ingredients are in Golden Cinnamon French Toast?
This golden cinnamon French toast isn’t your ordinary breakfast fare—it’s a baking dish of pure comfort that combines crusty bread with a luscious custard mixture and a crumbly cinnamon topping.
Think of it as French toast meets bread pudding meets streusel-topped coffee cake. The ingredient list might look long, but don’t let that intimidate you. Most of these items are pantry and refrigerator staples that work together to create layers of sweet, warm flavor.
- 1 loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread
- 8 whole eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the French toast mixture)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Butter for greasing the pan
- 1/2 cup flour (for the topping)
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar (for the topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- 1 stick cold butter, cut into pieces (for the topping)
- Warm maple syrup, for serving
- Additional butter, for serving
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, for serving
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Can’t find sourdough? Any crusty bread will work nicely, though I prefer something with a bit of chew to hold up to the custard.
The optional freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that complements the cinnamon, but the dish will still be delicious without it. For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though you’ll sacrifice some richness.
And while the recipe calls for blueberries as a topping, feel free to swap in whatever fresh berries or sliced fruits you have on hand—strawberries, raspberries, or even caramelized bananas would be divine.
How to Make this Golden Cinnamon French Toast
Making this golden cinnamon French toast casserole couldn’t be easier, and the best part? You can prepare it the night before. Start by greasing your baking dish with butter, then tear or cut 1 loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread into chunks and spread them evenly in the pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this custard mixture over your bread pieces, making sure every bit gets soaked. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight—this resting period allows the bread to fully absorb all that sweet, vanilla-scented goodness.
While your French toast base is chilling, prepare the cinnamon streusel topping. Mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and some freshly grated nutmeg (if using) in a bowl.
Cut in 1 stick of cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—think tiny pebbles, not sand. Store this topping in a plastic bag in the refrigerator until morning.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F, sprinkle the prepared topping over the soaked bread mixture, and bake for 45 minutes if you prefer a softer, more bread-pudding-like texture, or up to an hour or longer for something firmer and crispier around the edges.
The house will smell absolutely heavenly as it bakes, with cinnamon and vanilla wafting through every room.
To serve this glorious creation, scoop out generous portions while still warm, top each serving with a pat of butter that melts into all the nooks and crannies, and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
The finishing touch? A sprinkle of fresh blueberries that add bright pops of color and sweet-tart flavor against the rich, cinnamon-spiced backdrop.
Can we take a moment to appreciate how this dish transforms ordinary bread into something that straddles the line between breakfast and dessert? And yet, somehow, we still get to eat it first thing in the morning. What a wonderful world.
Golden Cinnamon French Toast Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this French toast casserole is absolutely divine, you’d be surprised how adaptable this recipe can be when you’re missing ingredients or simply want to switch things up.
Don’t have sourdough? Any sturdy bread works wonderfully—challah, brioche, or even day-old croissants create magical variations.
For a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk and coconut cream. Not a fan of blueberries? Try strawberries, bananas, or caramelized apples instead.
You can even transform this into a savory dish by omitting the sugar and topping with cheese, herbs, and bacon.
The possibilities are endless, which is why I never tire of this versatile breakfast star.
What to Serve with Golden Cinnamon French Toast
Now that we’ve explored all the wonderful ways to customize our French toast, let’s talk about the perfect companions for this sweet breakfast masterpiece.
Fresh blueberries are a natural pairing, as mentioned in the recipe, but why stop there? A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a side of crispy bacon creates that magical sweet-savory balance.
Can’t forget about beverages—a steaming cup of coffee or fresh orange juice cuts through the richness perfectly.
For a more substantial breakfast spread, consider adding scrambled eggs or a small fruit salad. The contrast of textures and temperatures makes the meal feel extra special.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with this Golden Cinnamon French Toast recipe, I’ve come to believe it’s one of those breakfast treasures that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
There’s something magical about the way the crusty sourdough soaks up that vanilla-infused custard overnight, then transforms into a caramelized, cinnamon-scented delight in the morning.
Who doesn’t love that moment when the topping creates those perfect buttery crumbles on top?
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—make it softer for a bread pudding feel or bake it longer for those crispy edges.
Add blueberries, a pat of butter, warm syrup and, voilà, breakfast perfection.
