This cinnamon orange French toast bake is a dreamy holiday breakfast — ideal for a special occasion or a festive brunch. It’s comforting, satisfying and tastes like a cozy holiday hug.
We’ve got a holiday breakfast treat today!
This cinnamon orange French toast bake is a wonderful make-ahead festive breakfast. It’s easy to prepare, bakes beautifully, and delivers plenty of cozy holiday flavor in every bite.
Overnight French toast bakes are one of my favorite breakfasts to prep. They’re ideal for holidays or brunch because most of the work happens the day before — then you pop it in the oven the morning you want to serve it.
It’s amazing how delicious this bake is after the simple step of tossing it into the oven. And a glossy orange glaze on top takes it from great to unforgettable.
We love cinnamon and orange together — from cinnamon orange rolls to pull-apart bread and muffins — it’s a nostalgic, comforting flavor around the holidays. My kids beg for orange rolls, and that same bright citrus-cinnamon combo makes this French toast bake feel festive and special. It’s filling, indulgent and worth every bite.
My favorite base for this is croissant bread — essentially a loaf made from croissant dough. It’s flaky, layered and toasts up beautifully while remaining light. I often find it at ALDI. If you can’t find croissant bread, brioche works excellently as a substitute.
Here’s how I make it: chop the bread into cubes and place them in a baking dish. Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, orange zest, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt to make a custardy mixture. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing a few cubes down to ensure everything soaks it up.
Cover and refrigerate overnight — about 8 to 12 hours is ideal, though 24 hours works well too. When you’re ready, bake for roughly 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and set.
While it bakes, whisk a quick orange glaze from freshly squeezed orange juice, powdered sugar, a splash of cream and vanilla — plus extra zest if you like. The glaze is optional but elevates the bake into something truly special. I usually skip maple syrup when I use the glaze, though a dusting of powdered sugar is always lovely.
This is a cozy, celebratory breakfast that feels like a treat and helps create memorable mornings with family and friends. Leftovers reheat nicely and are still delicious the next day.
‘Tis the season for the best breakfast!
Cinnamon Orange French Toast Bake
Cinnamon Orange French Toast Bake
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Ingredients
- 15 oz croissant or brioche bread loaf, chopped into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 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 extract
Instructions
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Chop the bread into cubes and place in a 9×9 (or 11×7) baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Pour over the bread cubes, pressing cubes into the mixture so they are well moistened.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator.
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Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and set.
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While it bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, heavy cream and vanilla until smooth to make the glaze.
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Remove from the oven and drizzle with the orange glaze. Serve warm and enjoy. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
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