Overnight Cinnamon French Toast

This overnight cinnamon French toast casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into a special occasion with minimal morning effort. The magic happens while you sleep as the bread soaks up a rich, cinnamon-infused custard, creating a decadent morning treat that's equally perfect for holiday gatherings and lazy weekend brunches.

My family begs for this casserole every Christmas morning. I started making it when my children were young and I wanted something special but didn't want to miss a moment of present-opening excitement by being stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Brioche bread: Delivers the perfect balance of richness and structure for soaking up custard without falling apart
• Eggs: Create the custard base that transforms into a silky texture when baked
• Whole milk and heavy cream: Provide essential fat for a luxurious mouthfeel
• Granulated sugar: Balances the eggy custard with gentle sweetness
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that complements the cinnamon
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the entire casserole with classic French toast flavor
• Nutmeg: Brings subtle complexity that enhances the cinnamon
• Salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness and bringing all flavors into focus
• Chopped pecans: Add wonderful textural contrast to the soft custard
• Raisins or dried cranberries: Provide bursts of concentrated fruity sweetness
• Maple syrup: The perfect finishing touch for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread Mixture:

Cut brioche into 1-inch cubes using a serrated knife. The cubes should be large enough to maintain structure but small enough to soak up custard. If using pecans and dried fruit, toss them gently with the bread cubes in a large bowl, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.

Create the Custard Base:

In a separate large bowl, crack 6 eggs and whisk until yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Add whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar, whisking constantly to dissolve sugar crystals. Measure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt directly into the mixture, whisking until completely blended with no visible spice clumps.

Combine and Soak:

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes gradually, using a rubber spatula to gently fold everything together. Take care not to crush the bread while ensuring every piece gets coated. The bread should start absorbing the liquid immediately but will continue soaking overnight.

Overnight Rest:

Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish that has been thoroughly greased with butter. Spread the mixture evenly, pressing slightly to level the surface. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.

Morning Baking Preparation:

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning a rack in the middle position for even heat distribution. The casserole should look thoroughly soaked with minimal liquid pooling at the bottom.

Baking to Perfection:

Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, checking at the 40-minute mark. The top should become golden brown and slightly crisp while the center should be set but still moist. If browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.

Serving with Finesse:

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the custard to set further for easier slicing. Dust with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve if desired, and cut into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup in a pitcher on the side for guests to add according to preference.

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The vanilla extract is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once tried making it without when I discovered I was out, and my family immediately noticed the difference. That warm, aromatic quality that makes you close your eyes when you take a bite was missing. I never skip it now.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes personalization based on your preferences and what you have available. Try swapping brioche for challah bread for an equally delicious result with slightly different texture. Sourdough creates a more savory base that beautifully contrasts with the sweet custard.

Storage Solutions

This French toast casserole maintains its delicious qualities beyond the initial serving. After cooling completely, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place the entire casserole covered with foil in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Special Occasion Upgrades

Transform this already special breakfast into an extraordinary brunch centerpiece with thoughtful additions. Create a toppings bar with fresh berries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut, and whipped cream. For adult gatherings, offer orange liqueur or bourbon-infused maple syrup on the side. During fall and winter holidays, incorporate diced apples sautéed with brown sugar and butter into the bread mixture before soaking.

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A sweet and memorable breakfast to elevate your mornings, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While brioche creates the richest texture, challah, French bread, or sourdough work well too. Slightly stale bread actually absorbs the custard better, so day-old bread is perfect for this dish.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. The texture may be slightly less rich, but the dish will still be delicious.

→ How far in advance can I prepare this?

For best results, prepare this 8-12 hours before baking. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though the bread may become very soft. Don't prepare more than 24 hours ahead as the bread can break down too much.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after baking, reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ What can I add to vary the flavor?

Try adding orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist, substitute maple syrup for some of the sugar, layer in cream cheese pieces, add different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or include fresh berries just before baking.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, though it might have some moisture from the custard.