Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is a gorgeous, decadent dish that combines the comforting hug of classic French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole. Imagine biting into soft, pillowy bread soaked in a rich egg mixture, topped with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon streusel. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for breakfast gatherings or leisurely weekend brunches when you want to impress your family and friends without spending all morning in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this baked French toast casserole; it was for a holiday brunch with friends. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house was enough to draw everyone in, even before the first slice was served. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—it’s easy to throw together, especially since you prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. So if you’re looking for a dish that pleases a crowd and makes mornings feel special, I invite you to try this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 20 minutes, and you can sleep in while it bakes!
- Irresistible Flavor: The mixture of sourdough bread, spices, and sweetness creates a delightful taste sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden-brown topping and fluffy interior make it visually stunning on the table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, and easy to pair with fresh fruit or syrup.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitute with gluten-free bread or plant-based milk if needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: Sourdough gives a lovely tang that balances the sweetness, but any sturdy bread works well.
- 8 large eggs: Eggs create a rich custard base, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Full-fat milk enhances creaminess; you can opt for dairy alternatives as needed.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: For a luxurious texture, the cream elevates this dish beyond ordinary French toast.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness; if you prefer a less sugary dish, feel free to reduce the amount.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar lends warmth and depth of flavor with its molasses notes.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Vanilla ties all the flavors together; pure vanilla extract is best for a stronger aroma.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: This creates the delicious streusel topping that contrasts perfectly with the soft bread.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: Key for the streusel, it provides sweetness and a wonderful caramel element.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Enhances the flavor of the streusel, making it fragrant and indulgent.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Cold butter helps to create a crumbly texture in the streusel.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the baking dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish generously with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the casserole come out cleanly once baked.
Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Spread these evenly along the bottom of the greased casserole dish, allowing them to fit snugly together and soak up the custard mixture.
Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup heavy whipping cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. Make sure it’s well-combined before pouring over the bread.
Pour the custard over the bread: Take the prepared egg mixture and pour it evenly over the bread chunks, ensuring every piece is coated and soaking up the deliciousness.
Cover and chill: Once everything is in place, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all those rich flavors.
Make the streusel topping: For the streusel, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Add the ½ cup of cold butter pieces, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store the streusel in the fridge overnight if you wish.
Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Add the streusel topping: Crumble the prepared streusel evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the entire surface to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a softer, more custardy texture, bake it for about 45 minutes. For a firmer consistency, let it bake closer to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and bubbling.
Serve warm: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve warm. It’s fantastic with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with fresh fruit for added brightness.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it longer, slice it into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. The texture may change slightly, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a fresh coat of syrup can help refresh its inviting flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your bread is a day or two old, as this helps it absorb the custard better without getting too mushy.
- Let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother custard.
- If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra sprinkle into the egg mixture.
- You can make several variations; try adding fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel between layers for a fun twist.
- Prepare everything the night before for a stress-free morning; the wait is worth it when that golden casserole comes out of the oven!
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the kind of dish that transforms any gathering into a special occasion. With its effortless preparation and delightful flavors, you’ll find it worthy of celebrating every weekend or holiday with your loved ones. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and add your personal touch—maybe a hint of orange zest or some nuts for crunch. Dive into the joy of cooking and enjoy the warm, delightful essence of this classic dish!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! Any sturdy bread, such as challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread, will work beautifully here. Just ensure it’s not too soft, or it may become overly soggy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free equivalent. You can still achieve a delicious flavor!
Can I prepare the casserole a few days in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance. Just follow the instructions, cover it well, and leave it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for a warm, fresh dish.
What can I serve with overnight French toast casserole?
Pair it with maple syrup, fresh fruits like berries or banana slices, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings!
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📖 Recipe Card
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel boasts irresistible flavors and effortless preparation. Perfect for brunch, it features rich egg custard soaked sourdough bread and a crunchy topping that makes it a beloved dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or french bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces)
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set it aside.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are coated.
- Cover the casserole and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
- To prepare the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the butter and cut it into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. Store in the fridge overnight if desired.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, adjusting bake time for a softer or firmer texture as preferred.
- Serve warm with syrup and optional toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
This casserole can be made the night before, making it a convenient breakfast option.
Adjust cooking time based on your texture preference: shorter for moist, longer for firmer.
Feel free to add fruit or nuts to the topping for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
