Baked Cinnamon Raisin Swirl French Toast Casserole

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 50 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) cinnamon raisin bread
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• for serving maple syrup

Instructions

1. 1Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish generously with some of the butter so the casserole releases cleanly later.
2. 2Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving the crusts attached for texture and swirl visibility.
3. 3Scatter the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish, pressing gently so they nestle together without crushing.
4. 4In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs until uniform, then whisk in whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the sugar dissolves and the custard smells warmly spiced.
5. 5Pour the custard slowly and evenly over the bread, pausing once to press any floating cubes down so every piece soaks.
6. 6Dot the top with small pieces of the remaining butter.
7. 7Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
8. 8When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats.
9. 9Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking 20 to 25 minutes more until the top is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean with only moist crumbs.
10. 10Let the casserole rest 10 minutes so the custard sets enough to slice neatly.
11. 11Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.
12. 12Cut into squares and serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling.