Easy French Toast Casserole

Gather all ingredients. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

To make the French toast: Stir brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour butter-brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Scatter French bread pieces over top in a 1 ½- to 2-inch layer.

Whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl until well combined. Pour over bread pieces, then press bread down with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.

When ready to bake, remove French toast from the refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

To make the topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl; sprinkle evenly over the top of French toast.

Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is golden brown and set in the center, 50 to 60 minutes..

Cut into squares; serve with some of the caramel from the bottom of the pan spooned on top.