Name: Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 eggs; ¾ cup almond milk (or any milk); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of sea salt; 10 to 12 1-inch slices challah bread, about 1 loaf, cut on a slight diagonal; Non-stick spray or olive oil (for greasing); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; ¼ heaping teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted); ¼ cup pomegranate arils (or desired fruit); Maple syrup (optional)

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy breakfast idea that’s both impressive and super easy to pull together, you’ll absolutely love this Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe. I first made this one a chilly weekend morning, and ever since, it’s become my go-to brunch that always wows my family and guests. It’s like the classic French toast you know and love but upgraded to a comforting casserole with a delightful crunch from toasted almonds. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again, especially when you want to feeding a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: This bake comes together quickly and serves multiple people without stress.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cinnamon, brown sugar, and almonds add warmth and crunch that keep every bite exciting.
Prep-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap almond milk or fruit toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The dish shows three thick slices of bread pudding arranged diagonally in a white baking dish, with a golden brown top layer that looks slightly crispy. The pudding layers have a soft beige inside, while the top is sprinkled with small red pomegranate seeds and thin light brown almond slices. There is also a light dusting of white powdered sugar and some crushed crumbs scattered on top, giving a textured look. The white marbled surface underneath the dish is partly visible along with the edge of a white plate with red rings and some silver forks nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here strike a great harmony between wholesome and indulgent. I love using challah bread because its slightly sweet, soft texture soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. And almond milk keeps it light, but you can use any milk you prefer.

Eggs: The base of the custard that binds everything together and creates that rich baked French toast texture.
Almond milk: I like this milk for a subtle nuttiness; you can swap in dairy or other plant milks.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes—both mixed in and sprinkled on top for a caramelized finish.
Cinnamon: The star spice here that pairs beautifully with the almonds and sweet bread.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Challah bread: Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold up without getting soggy.
Non-stick spray or olive oil: To grease your baking dish and prevent sticking.
Sliced almonds: Toasted for a nutty crunch that contrasts the custard’s creaminess.
Pomegranate arils (or desired fruit): I love the bright pop and subtle tartness they bring, but fresh berries work great too.
Maple syrup (optional): For drizzling when serving, to add that extra touch of sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it with little twists to suit different moods and occasions.

Make it vegan: Swap the eggs for a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, and use your favorite plant-based milk—I’ve done this and it’s surprisingly good!
Fruit swaps: If pomegranate isn’t in season, try fresh berries, sliced apples, or even dried cranberries for different textures and flavors.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for an extra cozy aroma that fills your kitchen.
Gluten-free twist: Use gluten-free bread like a sturdy gluten-free challah or brioche to keep it inclusive for others.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Custard Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. This simple prep ensures your Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe won’t stick and will come out looking picture perfect. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt in a medium bowl until everything’s blended and smooth. This custard mixture is what transforms the bread into that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Step 2: Dip and Arrange the Bread Slices

Dip each slice of your challah bread into the custard, coating both sides well but not letting it get soggy. Then, arrange the slices upright and overlapping in the baking dish. One trick I learned is to alternate the higher and lower sides of the slices if your loaf is uneven—this helps the bake cook evenly and get a uniform golden top.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Topping and Bake

Mix together the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the top of your arranged bread slices. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is wonderfully golden and slightly crisp. You’ll know it’s ready when the center feels firm to the touch but still moist inside—no jiggly custard here!

Step 4: Add the Almonds, Fruit, and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and your choice of fresh pomegranate arils (or fruit) over the top for a beautiful and tasty finish. Serve immediately, ideally with a drizzle of warm maple syrup if you love a little extra sweetness. I love how the almonds add crunch while the fruit brightens the whole dish.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe

Even Bread Slices: Using a serrated knife to slice the challah at a slight diagonal helps the slices stand taller and soak up more custard.
Pre-Toast Almonds: Toast your sliced almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before sprinkling—they develop a richer flavor and crunch.
Avoid Over-Soaking: Don’t leave bread in the custard mix too long or it can become mushy; a quick dip on each side is perfect.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 28 minutes to prevent drying out the bake.

How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baked dessert in a white square baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has several layers of golden brown toasted bread slices tightly packed together, drizzled with a rich, slightly glossy chocolate or caramel sauce on top. There are thinly sliced almonds sprinkled over the surface, along with small, bright red pomegranate seeds scattered across, adding color contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar is spread evenly, creating a soft white layer on the top edges of the dessert. The texture of the bread looks soft yet crisp on the edges, and the topping appears slightly cracked and baked. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this French toast bake with a handful of fresh pomegranate arils for that burst of tart flavor and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves also makes it look extra special when you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this warm bake with crispy bacon or sausage for savory balance, and some fresh fruit salad or orange slices to add brightness to the meal. A cup of strong coffee or spiced chai also makes the perfect beverage match.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe in individual mini casseroles or ramekins, which not only looks charming but makes plating a breeze. You could also drizzle it with a spiced caramel sauce instead of maple syrup for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cover mine tightly to keep the top from drying out. It reheats beautifully and tastes almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

I freeze portions in individual airtight containers or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When I want a quick breakfast, I pop a frozen piece in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which takes about 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave to maintain that delightful crisp top. Heat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through, and you’ll regain the fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe?

Absolutely! While challah is my favorite for its texture and flavor, you can use brioche, Texas toast, or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread is thick-sliced and slightly dense to hold up during baking.
Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best parts of this recipe is that you can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors develop even more, and in the morning, you just bake it fresh—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Can I substitute almonds for another nut?

You sure can! Walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios are delicious alternatives. Toast them beforehand for maximum flavor and crunch, just like with the almonds.
What if I don’t have pomegranate arils on hand?

No worries. Fresh berries, sliced kiwi, peach slices, or even dried fruits like cranberries make fantastic toppings that add color and a fruity contrast.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Using almond milk or another plant-based milk makes this naturally dairy-free. Just ensure any added toppings, like syrup, are also dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Almonds Recipe brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s simple, hearty, and bursting with layers of cozy flavor that remind me of special family mornings and holiday breakfasts. If you want a fuss-free recipe that feels both indulgent and wholesome, this one’s a winner. Give it a try, invite a few friends or family, and watch this bake become your new brunch favorite.