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Cinnamon Sugar Pantry French Toast Bake

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A french toast bake with caramelized cinnamon-sugar edges and a custardy center, made from pre-toasted stale bread so it never turns soggy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed stale bread (day-old sandwich loaf, brioche, or croissants)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk, heavy cream, or orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup crushed cinnamon cereal (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half the sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, stir to combine, then add the bread cubes. Toss frequently for 5-7 minutes, until edges are golden and slightly crisp. Let cool 5 minutes.
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the toasted bread cubes in an even layer.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, coconut milk (or cream/orange juice), vanilla, remaining sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press down gently with a spatula so every cube makes contact with liquid.
  5. Let the dish rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate up to overnight) so the custard fully absorbs.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
  7. If using the cereal topping, toss crushed cereal with melted butter and scatter over the bake. Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden.
  8. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with maple syrup.

Notes

The pre-toasting step is non-negotiable for the crisp-edge texture — do not skip it and add raw bread straight to the custard. Any stale, sturdy bread works; avoid very soft fresh bread, which turns mushy no matter what. If short on time, the 20-minute room-temperature rest is the minimum; a full overnight fridge soak gives the deepest flavor. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for 3 days and reheat well in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes.

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/cinnamon-sugar-pantry-french-toast-bake/