Heavenly Cinnamon French Toast Bake
(This recipe serves 2, but it can be easily adapted for up to 10.)
Step 1: The Bake
4 slices of thick cinnamon bread, cubed
4 large eggs
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 Tbsp. real maple syrup
1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Except for the cubed bread, put all the ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until well combined. Then, add the cubed bread. Set aside for 30-minutes or overnight.
Step 2: The Streusel Topping
1/8 cup light brown sugar
1/8 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans (toast the pecans first for a more intense flavor)
Mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt together in a small bowl. Then, using your fingers, blend the butter into the dry mix until it’s crumbly. Add the pecans and give it a toss or two.
Step 3: Assembly
Butter an 8 to 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a small Pyrex baking pan. Add the bread which has been soaking. Cover the top with the streusel. Bake at 350- degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and well-set. Serve with butter and real maple syrup.
Add-Ons: Add fresh blueberries, raspberries or strawberries to the top, especially while they are in season.
