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Cinnamon Orange French Toast Bake Recipe

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This Cinnamon Orange French Toast Bake is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring cubes of croissant or brioche soaked overnight in a rich custard infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and vanilla. Baked until golden and topped with a tangy orange glaze, it perfectly balances sweet and citrus flavors for a decadent yet comforting morning treat.

  • Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

French Toast Bake

  • 15 oz croissant or brioche bread loaf, chopped into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Orange Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 ½ tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bread: Chop the croissant or brioche bread into cubes and place them evenly in a 9×9 or 11×7 inch baking dish to form the base of the bake.
  2. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, freshly squeezed orange zest, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are well moistened. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator and let it soak for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  5. Preheat Oven: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the glaze and ready for baking.
  6. Bake French Toast: Uncover the dish and bake the French toast bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  7. Make Orange Glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, heavy cream, freshly grated orange zest, and vanilla bean paste in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  8. Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle generously with the orange glaze and, if desired, sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the top before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use day-old or slightly stale croissant or brioche to better absorb the custard.
  • This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast hosting.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter custard if desired.
  • Garnish with fresh orange slices or a dusting of cinnamon for added presentation.
  • The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; stir well before serving.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American