Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast (or brunch!) that feels a little fancy but is actually simple to pull off, then you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe. I’ve made it countless times and every single time my family goes crazy for its sweet cinnamon aroma, the crunch from toasted almonds, and that perfect golden-brown finish. Stick around because I’ll share everything you need to know to nail this recipe at home with ease and a few insider tips to make it foolproof.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun here. I like using challah bread because it’s soft and absorbs the custard beautifully, but you can use brioche or any sturdy bread. And the almond milk adds a subtle nutty note that complements the cinnamon and toasted almonds perfectly.

• Eggs: The base for that rich custard, eggs help the bake set with that classic French toast texture.
• Almond milk: A dairy alternative that gives a gentle nutty flavor – feel free to swap for your favorite milk.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here – be generous to get that warm, cozy flavor.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• Challah bread: Its slightly sweet, lofty texture soaks up the custard just right – fresh or a day-old loaf works best.
• Non-stick spray or olive oil: To grease the pan and prevent sticking without adding extra heaviness.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted to bring a satisfying crunch and nuttiness to the topping.
• Pomegranate arils or fruit of choice: For a pop of color and tart freshness on top.
• Maple syrup (optional): Because who doesn’t love drizzling a little syrup on French toast?

Variations

I like to think of this Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe as a great base with room for your own creative flare. Personalizing it keeps it exciting and perfect for tweaking to your taste or dietary needs.

• Nut-Free Variation: I discovered swapping sliced almonds for toasted pumpkin seeds keeps that satisfying crunch for those with nut allergies.
• Vegan Friendly: Use a flax egg and your favorite plant-based milk to make it vegan – it still turns out deliciously custardy!
• Seasonal Twist: In fall, I love adding diced apples or pears inside for a fruity surprise.
• Extra Sweetness: For a decadent brunch, sprinkle mini chocolate chips along with the brown sugar topping before baking.

How to Make Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. I use olive oil because it adds a subtle richness without interfering with the flavor, but non-stick spray makes clean-up even easier.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until everything is smooth and combined. You want this mixture to be well incorporated to ensure every slice of bread gets evenly coated. No clumps of cinnamon or sugar, please!

Step 3: Mix the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. This simple mix will create a golden, slightly crispy layer on top that’s just irresistible.

Step 4: Dip and Arrange the Bread

Here’s a trick I learned to make this bake especially even: dip each slice of challah into the egg mixture, saturating it well but not soaking so long it falls apart. Then, place the slices slightly tilted and overlapping in your baking dish. If your loaf has a higher side, alternate slices so the tops line up evenly—this helps everything brown uniformly. This step seriously changed my baking game.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Sugar-Cinnamon Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over the assembled bread slices. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks puffed and smells heavenly!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, top your French toast bake with toasted sliced almonds and fresh pomegranate arils—or whatever fruit you have on hand. The crunchy almonds combined with the juicy pop of pomegranate make every bite interesting. Serve with maple syrup if you like that extra bit of sweetness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always add toasted sliced almonds and fresh pomegranate arils on top because they bring texture and a lovely burst of flavor. Sometimes if it’s winter and pomegranate isn’t in season, I swap those for fresh berries or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple finish.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even some crispy bacon or sausage on the side if you want to round out your brunch with some savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this cinnamon almond French toast bake in individual ramekins for a fancy touch. Another fun idea is layering slices in a trifle dish and topping it with whipped cream and fresh fruits for a brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually recommend reheating single slices in the toaster oven or oven to help maintain that crisp top instead of the microwave, which can make it soggy.

Freezing

If you make a double batch, this Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe freezes well too. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to get that top nice and crispy again, which really brings back the freshly baked texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Almond French Toast Bake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so reliable and loved by everyone who tries it. It feels like a treat without the stress, and the flavors are comforting and cozy — like a warm hug in a dish. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back to it for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or whenever you want a little bit of special in your morning. Happy baking!

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