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Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with the melted unsalted butter.

Arrange the 1-inch bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon orange zest, and ground cinnamon until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard. This step is crucial for a tender, flavorful bake.

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the French toast bake is golden brown on top and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

While the French toast bake is cooling slightly, prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon orange zest until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm French toast bake.

Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful breakfast or brunch treat.


Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with the melted unsalted butter.

Arrange the 1-inch bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon orange zest, and ground cinnamon until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly saturated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard. This step is crucial for a tender, flavorful bake.

Remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the French toast bake is golden brown on top and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

While the French toast bake is cooling slightly, prepare the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon orange zest until smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm French toast bake.

Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
