Cube bread and spread evenly in a greased 13x9" baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Half & Half, and vanilla.
Add in sugar and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
Pour egg mixture over bread, making sure all pieces are saturated.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit.
Remove bake from the refrigerator and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together.
Cube cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a fork.
Evenly sprinkle over bread mixture.
Bake for 42-45 minutes or until center is set.
Notes
Bread Selection: The choice of bread can greatly influence the flavor and texture of your French Toast Bake. While cinnamon bread adds a delightful flavor, you can also experiment with other types of bread, like brioche or challah, for a richer and more decadent taste. Ensure the bread is slightly stale or day-old for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Overnight Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture overnight not only saves time in the morning but also ensures that the flavors meld together and the bread fully absorbs the custard. This step results in a moist and flavorful bake with a uniform texture throughout.
Crumbly Topping Texture: Achieving the perfect texture for the cinnamon sugar crumble topping is key to adding a delightful crunch to your French Toast Bake. Ensure the butter is cold when mixing it with the dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread mixture before baking to ensure every bite is filled with deliciousness.