Description
Sweet dreams of breakfast come alive with this overnight french toast casserole, blending rich custard-soaked bread with maple-kissed layers. Weekend mornings become delightful when you wake to this effortless, make-ahead comfort classic ready to serve straight from the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Egg Base:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
Dairy and Sweeteners:
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55 g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Crumble Topping Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the baking foundation by coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light butter layer to prevent sticking. Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the entire surface, ensuring maximum coverage.
- Create a silky custard mixture by vigorously whisking eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients blend seamlessly into a uniform liquid.
- Gently cascade the custard over bread cubes, using gentle pressure to help bread absorb the liquid completely. Press down softly to guarantee even saturation throughout the dish.
- Seal the casserole with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Allow the bread to marinate and soak overnight, permitting flavors to meld and develop deep, rich undertones.
- Craft a crumbly topping by combining brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into a coarse, sandy texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, removing the casserole from refrigeration. Sprinkle the prepared crumble evenly across the soaked bread, creating a textured, golden crown.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the custard sets firmly in the center.
- Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Enhance the presentation by drizzling maple syrup, dusting with powdered sugar, or garnishing with fresh seasonal berries.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
- Overnight Soaking Secret: Letting the casserole sit overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the rich custard, creating a decadent and creamy consistency.
- Customize Your Crumble: Swap nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch and depth of flavor.
- Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version, or swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Overnight (or at least 4 hours)
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg