Grandma’s Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the custard mixture. These warming spices pair exceptionally well with the cinnamon and raisins already present in the bread, adding depth to the overall profile of the dish without overpowering the delicate balance of the custard.

If you find the top is browning too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

This simple trick allows the inside to reach the proper temperature without the top becoming overly dark or burnt, ensuring a perfectly cooked and visually appealing breakfast.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top along with the brown sugar and butter. This adds a wonderful nutty flavor and an extra layer of crunch that complements the soft bread perfectly.
• Fruit Infusion: Tuck fresh apple slices or blueberries between the bread cubes before pouring the custard over them. The fruit softens during baking and adds a bright, fresh element that balances the sweetness of the cinnamon raisin bread.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap individual portions tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave briefly until heated through to the center.

If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container.

Properly stored, it will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days, though it is best enjoyed within the first twenty-four hours for optimal texture.

You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.

This allows the bread to soak up the custard overnight, resulting in an even richer and more cohesive final product. If baking from cold, add an extra five to ten minutes to the total baking time to ensure it is heated through.

Serving ideas

Serve the French toast warm, directly from the baking dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of Greek yogurt to cut through the richness of the butter and sugar. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a nice visual finish and a subtle extra touch of sweetness.

For a more decadent experience, serve it with a side of maple syrup or a light drizzle of honey.

The warmth of the bread and the crisp, buttery top make it a satisfying meal on its own, but these simple accompaniments can enhance the flavors and provide a lovely contrast to the soft, custard-infused cubes of cinnamon raisin bread.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Grandma's Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake

Prep 10 minCook 40 minRest 5 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 loaf cinnamon raisin bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups vanilla egg custard, prepared
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp butter, sliced

Instructions

1. Arrange the 1-inch cubes of cinnamon raisin bread in an even layer within a 9x13-inch ceramic baking dish. Ensure the bread fills the dish comfortably without being overly compacted, allowing enough space for the custard to soak through evenly.
2. Pour the vanilla egg custard evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is coated. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the bread, then distribute the butter slices across the surface to create a rich, caramelized crust during the baking process.
3. Place the baking dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake until the custard is set and the top is puffed and golden, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for the eggs. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: The eggs in this dish are served soft. Use pasteurised eggs if serving pregnant women, young children, older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

25 g

Sodium

350 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.