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Gluten-Free Cinnamon Crunch Baked French Toast

Close-up of a thick slice of Gluten-Free Cinnamon Crunch French Toast with a rich, crumbly cinnamon topping.

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A recipe for baked gluten-free French toast topped with a crisp cinnamon streusel topping, designed to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut gluten-free bread (like brioche style or challah style)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk or dairy-free milk alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for custard)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using. Place the topping mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the toast.
  2. Prepare the custard: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup until well combined.
  3. Soak the bread: Quickly dip each slice of gluten-free bread into the custard mixture, turning once. Do not soak the bread for too long, as gluten-free bread absorbs liquid very fast and can become mushy.
  4. Assemble the bake: Arrange the soaked bread slices in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Top the toast: Sprinkle the chilled cinnamon crunch topping evenly over the bread slices.
  6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the center is set.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving warm with extra maple syrup or fresh berries.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut gluten-free bread; thin slices will become too saturated.
  • For an overnight option, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer pan-frying, prepare the topping separately and sprinkle it over the French toast immediately after flipping it in the pan, pressing gently to adhere.

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