Start your morning with this overnight Orange Cinnamon Baked French Toast drizzled with a homemade orange syrup. It's a comforting way to start the day.

Orange Cinnamon Baked French Toast is Vintage Comfort Food
My Mom always made a hot breakfast for us before school when I was growing up. It was always delicious, but, French toast wasn't part of our everyday breakfast. Made in the traditional way of dipping the bread slices in an egg custard, and then frying, I realize it's because it takes time to make multiple batches. For this recipe, you'll simply mix up a creamy custard to pour over the French bread slices then, cover and refrigerate. The next morning, it's ready to bake. You'll have an elegant and delicious breakfast ready to serve and no frying required.
To Prepare Orange Cinnamon Baked French Toast with Orange Syrup
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Uncover the assembled french toast and sprinkle the top of the bread slices with additional cinnamon and sugar. I usually just eyeball this step.
- Place the dish into the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bread is slightly puffy.
- To make the syrup: This can be done in advance and brought to room temperature or warmed in the microwave for serving. In a small saucepan, bring all of the ingredients to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, and continue to cook for 15 minutes until thickened and reduced. The syrup will become dark amber in color. Serve warm with the french toast. This recipe will make approximately 1 cup and easily doubles.
Other French Toast Inspired Recipes to Try
This make ahead French toast is simple to put together, and it truly falls into the category of no fuss meals. For more goodies to try checkout these recipes:
- Caramel Apple Stuffed French Toast
- Praline Pecan French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Muffins
- Orange Monkey Bread from Six Sister's Stuff
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Orange Cinnamon Baked French Toast
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 345kcal
Ingredients
- 9 (1-inch thick) slices French bread
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Orange syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- The night before: Cut the French bread into one inch thick slices. Butter bottom and sides of a 13 x 9 baking dish and arrange the bread slices side by side in the dish.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together, half and half, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and salt. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined. Pour evenly over bread slices. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- To prepare: Preheat oven to 425°F. Uncover baking dish and discard plastic wrap. Sprinkle the top of the bread slices with additional cinnamon and sugar. (Eyeball amount) Let sit on counter for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bread is slightly puffy.
- Meanwhile to make the orange syrup: On the stovetop using a small saucepan, bring sugar, orange juice, honey and cinnamon to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, and continue to cook for 15 minutes until thickened and reduced. The syrup will become dark amber in color. (Makes around 1 cup)
- Dust French toast with additional cinnamon and sugar before serving with orange syrup and fresh fruit.
Notes
The syrup can be made in advance and warmed just before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 337mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
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Melissa
I LOVE breakfast for dinner...a nice frittata alongside this french toast would round out your dinner nicely! Great idea, friend! xoxo
Didi
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I so am making this... french toast are my family's favorite...
Know baby girl, I was thinking as I was reading over the ingredients, we can make this for "dinner"!! You know breakfast for dinner. Make that night, and bake the next night... as it's baking maybe make some breakfast sausage or bacon...
OH YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!!!!
Thank you!!! xoxoxoxo
Melissa
Thanks, Lillian, it's a great way to start the day! 🙂
Lillian (My Recipe Journey)
YUM...YUM...YUM!!! Drooling over this one! Great recipe and pic!