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Delight in the ease and sweetness of Overnight French Toast, a sumptuous make-ahead breakfast that promises to start your day with warmth and flavor. Infused with spices and topped with a decadent crumble, this dish transforms a classic French toast into a hassle-free casserole that’s perfect for leisurely mornings or special brunch gatherings. Best served with a drizzle of maple or homemade buttermilk syrup, each bite is a testament to the joys of thoughtful preparation and indulgent tastes.
I am happy to share one of my favorite ways to simplify morning routines without sacrificing the joy of a home-cooked meal. This overnight French toast casserole was born from my love for cozy breakfasts that bring people together, minus the morning rush. It’s a recipe that lets you savor the anticipation of a delicious meal, knowing that a night’s rest is all that stands between you and a table full of happy satisfied smiles.
The Chemistry of Overnight French Toast
The beauty of this Overnight French Toast lies not just in its flavors but also in its wonderful texture, achieved through the simple science of soaking. The bread cubes absorb the rich mixture of milk, heavy cream, and eggs overnight, allowing the proteins and starches in the bread to meld with the liquid, creating a tender, custard-like interior. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and complexity, while the vanilla extract introduces a sweet, aromatic quality. The crumble topping, with its buttery, sugary crunch, introduces a delightful contrast, making each forkful a harmonious blend of soft and crisp textures.
Why let the French toast casserole sit overnight?
This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, ensuring a moist, uniform texture throughout. It also melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and rich taste.
Can you customize the toppings for Overnight French Toast?
Absolutely! While berries and crumble topping are my go-to choices, feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of cream cheese for added decadence.
Best way to store leftover French toast casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, delicious breakfast.
Can Overnight French Toast be frozen?
Yes, for longer storage, freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
What is in Overnight French Toast?
Country French Bread
The sturdy, porous nature of this bread makes it ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
Milk
Adds moisture to the batter or dough. Milk adds protein and sugar (lactose) to your treat. It encourages browning and adds a bit more sweetness to your baked treat.
Heavy Cream
Provide richness and moisture, creating a custard-like consistency within the bread.
Eggs
Adds both a protein (egg whites) and fat (egg yolks). The egg whites help with rising because, when foamed, little air pockets get trapped inside the egg white mixture. The water content in egg whites encourages steam while baking, which helps with gluten formation, resulting in nice and thick treats. Egg yolks have emulsifying properties that bring batters and doughs together and help them from collapsing. Unless otherwise specified, always use large eggs.
Cinnamon
A seasoning that adds a nice spice to your treat.
Nutmeg
A seasoning that adds a nutty flavor to your treat.
Vanilla Extract
When using pure vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring, it will add the deep rich flavor that everybody wants in a treat.
Brown Sugar
Is granulated sugar with a little molasses mixed in. Molasses is a somewhat smoky flavored natural sweetener, which makes brown sugar a bit sweeter than granulated sugar. Brown sugar draws more moisture into your treat, keeping it softer for longer. It’s also more acidic, which means it will help activate your baking soda.
Berries
Introduce a fresh, tart contrast to the sweetness of the casserole.
Crumble Topping
Adds a delightful buttery crunch, elevating the dish’s texture and taste.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick, delightful breakfast.
Making Ahead
Preparing the casserole the night before not only enhances the flavors and textures but also makes your morning stress-free. Focus on enjoying the moment, whether it’s a special occasion or a casual family breakfast.
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Why make overnight French toast?
This overnight French toast is perfect for holiday mornings, special occasions like Mother’s Day, or whenever you want to treat your loved ones to a memorable and delicious breakfast.
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Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of country french bread
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups berries
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the milk, heavy cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and brown sugar until everything is fully combined.
- Spray a 9×13 pan with non-stick spray
- Cut the bread into cubes and pour the bread cubes into the 9×13 pan
- Slowly pour the egg mixture on top of the bread, making sure to get all the bread coated.
- Sprinkle the berries on top of the bread.
- In another bowl add the crumble flour, brown sugar and cinnamon
- Cut the butter into small cubes, mix the butter into the crumble ingredients
- Break the butter up into smaller pieces with a pastry knife or your fingers
- Sprinkle the crumble topping on top of the soaked bread
- Cover the 9×13 pan with tinfoil and place in the fridge to sit overnight
- In the morning, preheat your oven to 425 degrees
- Bake the french toast casserole for 20 minutes with the tinfoil still on
- After 20 minutes, remove the tinfoil and bake for an additional 10 minutes
- Remove and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving
- Serve with pancake syrup!
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
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Alexa Holland
So, so delicious. I love that you can make it ahead for a fancy breakfast that you don’t have to get up early for.
Carly
This is delicious!! I don’t normally love overnight French toast because it gets a little mushy but this recipe was perfect! Such good texture and tasted delicious!
Madison Reid
Thank you!!
Madison Reid
Thank you so much!