A delightful twist on classic French toast, infused with citrus and baked to perfection.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and cinnamon until well combined.
Ensure the custard mixture is smooth to evenly coat the bread slices.
Dip each slice of cinnamon bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let them soak for a minute.
Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
Arrange the soaked bread slices in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Grease the dish well to prevent sticking.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Overnight refrigeration enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and drizzle the melted butter over the bread slices.
Let the dish sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Garnish with fresh fruit for added color and flavor.
