Overnight orange cinnamon baked French toast

This make-ahead French toast is perfect for houseguests or brunch — it gets completely assembled the night before you plan to bake and serve it.

Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh fruit compote.

Ingredients (Serves 10)

8 slices whole-wheat bread
8 eggs
1 cup orange juice
1 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Lightly coat a loaf pan with cooking spray. Tear the bread into chunks and place in the pan.

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, juice, milk, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon; whisk until well-mixed. Pour egg mixture over the bread; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Heat oven to 350 F. Remove plastic wrap from pan and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.