Cranberry Orange Baked French Toast Casserole
The Cranberry Orange Baked French Toast Casserole combines cubed white bread soaked in a custard flavored with orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon, then baked with tangy fresh cranberries distributed throughout. The topping is a sweet buttery layer created from melted butter and brown sugar, which caramelizes during baking. The result is a pudding-like texture with bursts of cranberry tartness and a touch of citrus aroma, making it suitable for a festive breakfast or brunch. It must be soaked overnight to fully absorb flavors and ensure a tender center.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup cranberries divided, fresh
- 1 white bread 1 lb loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 6 egg lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract optional
- powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cranberries over the top of the brown sugar. Add the cubed bread to the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cranberries over the top.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange extract (if using), and beat lightly to combine. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the bread in the baking dish. Press the bread down into the liquid mixture if needed to make sure all of the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.
- Bring the dish out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Bake the casserole, still covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the top is browned and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean another 15-20 minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve topped with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard for a tender texture.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices cleanly.
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet custard; frozen may alter texture.
- Powdered sugar is optional but adds a light sweetness and attractive finish.
- Adjust brown sugar amount if you prefer less sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 535
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/6 of casserole | |
| Calories | 535kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 78g | 26% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 214mg | 71% |
| Sodium | 681mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.