French toast couldn't be easier when you make this casserole. Everyone's eyes will light up when you serve it.
1/2 loaf French bread, (8 oz.) cut into cubes
1/2 c. butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
6 eggs
2 c. milk
2 t. vanilla extract
2 t. cinnamon, divided
1 T. brown sugar, for topping
powdered sugar, if desired for topping
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan; set aside.
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once butter has melted, stir in brown sugar until dissolved and mixture is smooth. Pour mixture into a 9x13 pan; spread evenly. Add cubed bread, spreading over the top of the mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1 t. cinnamon; pour mixture on top of bread, making sure that all bread cubes are saturated. Sprinkle on remaining 1 t. cinnamon and 1 T. brown sugar.
Bake 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar sprinkled on top, if desired.
8 servings.
*To Make in Advance: Prepare as directed up until the final baking step. Cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed in the morning.