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Brunch is a delightful culinary experience that brings people together over good food and warm conversations. Among the array of brunch options, few dishes can compare to the charm of the Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake. This dish seamlessly blends the comforting flavors of cinnamon and raisins with the classic appeal of French toast, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for gatherings, family breakfasts, or holiday celebrations. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity and ease of preparation, allowing hosts to enjoy the company of their guests without being tied to the stovetop.

Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake

Elevate your brunch game with this easy and delicious Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bake! Perfect for gatherings, this dish combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweet raisins into a rich custard bake. With minimal prep, you can spend more time enjoying your company instead of cooking. Explore variations with nuts or fruits to add your own twist. Serve warm drizzled with syrup or dusted with sugar for a delightful breakfast treat everyone will love!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of cinnamon raisin bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

5 large eggs

2 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

1/2 cup raisins (or more for extra sweetness)

1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Powdered sugar (for optional dusting)

Butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent the French toast bake from sticking during baking.

    Cube the Bread: Take the cinnamon raisin bread and slice it into 1-inch cubes. Evenly distribute the cubes in the greased baking dish. Scatter the raisins over the bread cubes, ensuring an even distribution throughout.

      Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you choose to include it). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

        Pour the Custard Over the Bread: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and raisins, making sure to soak all the bread cubes thoroughly. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes, ensuring they absorb the custard mixture.

          Let it Rest: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also prepare this dish the night before and let it rest overnight for maximum flavor.

            Bake: After resting, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the French toast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, and if desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

                Enjoy: This delightful dish is perfect served warm, accompanied by fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast treat.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hour | 8 servings