Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast.

Sunny mornings are made for this easy, make-ahead French toast. Thick slices of brioche or challah are dipped in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard made with sweetened condensed milk, then baked until golden and caramelized. Finish with cinnamon sugar–tossed strawberries and whipped cream cheese. It’s special and just sweet enough, but not too sweet, and absolutely delicious!

Many of you probably saw this recipe coming. Mother’s Day is Sunday, and you know there is no way I can resist making something sweet for my mom.

Breakfast foods, especially pancakes, French toast, crepes, and Dutch babies, have always been some of her favorites. I probably share this every year, but one of the reasons I fell in love with cooking is because of her.

Back in middle school, I’d make her chocolate chip banana pancakes on cold snow days, or really anytime I could convince her to let me stay home from school. It always felt so special, and that’s really where my love of cooking—and sharing it with the people around me—began. I’ve always loved creating something that feels just as beautiful as it is delicious.

We really do have my mom to thank for all of this, and I truly mean that.

Every Mother’s Day, my sister and I usually spend the morning with her. This year will be no exception.

I made this French toast ahead of time to share with you all. But trust me, she’ll be enjoying something just as good on Sunday. This was her first pick. She had a slice while I was testing, and she said it was “heaven”!

These are the Details

Ingredients

The French Toast 

• brioche or challah 
• sweetened condensed milk 
• eggs
• whole milk
• vanilla extract
• salted butter
• brown sugar
• granulated sugar 
• cinnamon
• strawberries 

The Whipped Cream Cream 

• cream cheese
• heavy cream
• vanilla
• sea salt

The Tools 

Just a pretty baking dish, mixing bowl, and sauce pot. You can use a stand mixer or an electric mixer to whip the cream.

The Steps

Step 1: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

Dip each slice of bread into the custard, letting it soak for about 1 minute so the bread can absorb all that goodness. Arrange the slices side by side in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Chill the French Toast

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, or overnight for an easy make-ahead option.

Step 3: Bake

Preheat the oven and bake the French toast for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. If you have vanilla bean powder, stir in a small spoonful—it’s a total game changer and adds the most subtle vanilla flavor.

Step 5: Prep the Strawberries

Slice the strawberries and toss them with a few spoonfuls of the cinnamon sugar.

During the last few minutes of baking, top the French toast with slices of cold butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Step 6: Make the Cream

Using an electric mixer, whip together the cream cheese, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla until light, creamy, and fluffy.

To Serve

Dollop the whipped cream cheese over the warm French toast, then spoon the cinnamon-sugar strawberries and all their juices over the top.

The fresh berries make this French toast especially pretty—and so delicious. I can’t wait to share it with my mom (again) this Sunday. She will be so excited!

Looking for other breakfast/brunch ideas? Here are some favorites:

Dad’s Easy Cheesy Eggs with Chili Butter

Blackberry Lavender White Chocolate Scones

Bakery Blueberry Vanilla Crunch Muffins

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Baked Blackberry Ricotta French Toast

Raspberry Lemon Brioche Rolls with Whipped Ricotta Cream

Lastly, if you make this Easy Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!