cinnamon raisin baked french toast

Published on November 26, 2025
4.8 (245 reviews)

Imagine waking up to the aroma of toasted bread, cinnamon, and sweet raisins bubbling in the oven. This cinnamon raisin baked French toast transforms ordinary leftovers into a luxurious brunch centerp

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cinnamon raisin baked french toast
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Warm Spice & Sweetness: Cinnamon and raisins create a comforting flavor that feels like a hug on a lazy weekend morning.
✓ Hands‑Free Baking: Once the batter is poured, the oven does the work, leaving you free to set the table.
✓ Crowd‑Pleaser: Golden crust, soft interior, and a hint of fruit make it perfect for families and brunch gatherings.

Imagine waking up to the aroma of toasted bread, cinnamon, and sweet raisins bubbling in the oven. This cinnamon raisin baked French toast transforms ordinary leftovers into a luxurious brunch centerpiece that looks as impressive as it tastes. The recipe is simple, requires just a few pantry staples, and delivers a caramel‑kissed crust with a custardy heart. Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours at the stove.

1 ½ cups whole milk Almond or oat milk works but yields a lighter custard.
3 large eggs Provides structure and richness.
¼ cup packed light brown sugar Adds caramel notes; adjust to taste.
2 tsp ground cinnamon Freshly ground gives the brightest flavor.
½ cup raisins Plump in warm water for extra juiciness.
1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the overall sweetness.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted Brush on top for a golden crust.

Instructions

cinnamon raisin baked french toast
1

Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl whisk together milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and free of lumps; this ensures an even bake and a silky interior.

Pro Tip: Whisk gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can make the custard rise unevenly.
2

Soak the Bread

Lay the brioche slices in a shallow baking dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, turning each piece to coat both sides. Let sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming soggy.

Pro Tip: If using very thick slices, add an extra 2‑3 minutes of soaking.
3

Add Raisins & Butter

Sprinkle the plumped raisins evenly over the soaked bread. Drizzle melted butter across the top;

Pro Tip: For extra caramelization, dot the surface with a few extra butter pats before baking.
4

Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
5

Serve & Enjoy

Let the French toast rest for 5 minutes, then slice into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced finish.

Pro Tip: A quick drizzle of melted butter just before plating adds extra gloss.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Use Day‑Old Bread

Stale bread soaks up the custard without disintegrating, giving you a firm yet tender interior.

Tip #2: Plump Raisins

Soak raisins in warm orange juice for 5 minutes; they burst with citrusy sweetness when baked.

Tip #3: Butter Finish

Brush the top with melted butter halfway through baking for a glossy, caramelized crust.

Storage & Variations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a toaster oven to retain crispness. For a gluten‑free version, use gluten‑free bread. Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped nuts for texture variation.

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories
420 kcal
Fat
18 g
Carbs
55 g
Protein
10 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Almond, oat, or soy milk work fine, though they produce a slightly lighter custard. Adjust sugar slightly if the alternative is sweetened.

Reheat in a preheated toaster oven or skillet over medium heat, uncovered, for 3‑4 minutes per side. This restores the buttery crunch without sogging the interior.

Substitute the eggs with a flax‑egg mixture (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant‑based butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Recipe Summary

Prep
3 min
Cook
30 min
Total
33 min
Servings
3
Category: Breakfast and Brunch
Cuisine: International
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main
Quick Tips
  • Make ahead friendly
  • Freezer safe 3 months
  • Easily doubled
  • Customizable

Ingredients

  • 8 slices thick‑cut brioche (about 1 inch)
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1
Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl whisk together milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and free of lumps; this ensures an even bake and a silky inter...

2
Soak the Bread

Lay the brioche slices in a shallow baking dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, turning each piece to coat both sides. Let sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid without becoming ...

3
Add Raisins & Butter

Sprinkle the plumped raisins evenly over the soaked bread. Drizzle melted butter across the top;...

4
Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean....

5
Serve & Enjoy

Let the French toast rest for 5 minutes, then slice into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced finish....

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