Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French toast casserole with cinnamon streusel transforms a classic breakfast into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Imagine waking up to the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home, feeling the anticipation build as you head to the kitchen to savor every last bite. Unlike traditional French toast, which can be a bit labor-intensive, this casserole allows all the flavors to meld together overnight, making it a fantastic option for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or any day that calls for something special.
Table of Contents
When I first discovered this recipe, I felt an instant connection. It brought back memories of cozy family breakfasts and lazy Sunday mornings, where everyone was gathered around the table, laughter and stories shared over bites of delicious food. The beauty of overnight French toast casserole lies not only in its comforting flavors but also in its simplicity—it’s a budget-friendly option that promises to impress your guests without the fuss. So, if you’re eager to bring a little magic to your morning routine, let’s dive into making this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes only 20 minutes with the bonus of no morning fuss—just bake and serve.
- Irresistible Flavor: Every bite is an explosion of sweet, creamy goodness with warm cinnamon notes.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The streusel topping adds a gorgeous crunch and golden color that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, holiday breakfasts, or even as a cozy weeknight treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free bread or almond milk if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: A sturdy bread soaks up the custard beautifully. Sourdough adds a tangy flavor, while French bread keeps it sweet and classic.
- 8 large eggs: Essential for creating a rich, custardy base that binds the bread together.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Provides creaminess. Whole milk is richer, while 2% is lighter without sacrificing taste.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds a luxurious texture that takes your casserole to the next level. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture. You can adjust based on your preference or use a sugar alternative.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: Enhances the depth of flavor with a hint of caramel richness.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting flavor—always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice! It gives the dish a warm, comforting essence that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Used to create the streusel topping. Can be substituted with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: For the streusel topping, this provides a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: More of the warm spice for that irresistible flavor in the topping.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Creates a crumbly texture in the streusel; cold butter works best for a flaky crust.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure that nothing sticks to the sides.
Prepare the bread: Cut your loaf of sourdough (or French bread) into 1-inch chunks. Spread these chunks evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This creates a solid base that will soak up all that delicious custard.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon until everything is fully combined and frothy. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, so take a moment to really mix it well!
Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure each piece is coated. You want the bread to soak up all the flavors. Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight—this is what builds that delicious flavor!
Prepare the streusel topping: For the crunch, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Add ½ cup of cold butter pieces, using a fork or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can prep this the night before and keep it in the fridge as well.
Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Add the streusel: Remove the casserole from the fridge and crumble the prepared streusel topping evenly over it. This is what gives it that irresistible crunch and golden color.
Bake to perfection: Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it—the longer you bake, the firmer the texture. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serve and enjoy: Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, or sprinkle with powdered sugar or fresh fruit for an extra touch!
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover overnight French toast casserole, cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re thinking about freezing it, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring the flavors stay intact. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through; you may want to cover it with foil to prevent over-browning. While freezing may slightly change the texture, a quick zap in the microwave or a warm up in the oven will help refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your bread is a day or two old for the best absorption of the custard—it should feel slightly stale.
- Using room temperature eggs will create a smoother custard, leading to an even better texture in your casserole.
- Bake the casserole right after mixing for less time if you prefer a softer, more moist texture. This is great if you plan on serving it for brunch soon after!
- If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding nuts or raisins to the bread mixture before soaking.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time—just pop it in the fridge overnight and bake it fresh in the morning!
When you think about it, overnight French toast casserole with cinnamon streusel is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Offering simplicity and comfort, it makes breakfast feel special without the hassle. As you indulge in each warm, buttery bite, remember that experimentation is part of the journey. Feel free to swap ingredients, add flavors, and make this dish your own. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough and French bread work beautifully, you can experiment with challah, brioche, or even whole grain bread. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply swap out the bread for a gluten-free loaf and ensure your all-purpose flour for the streusel is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free bread that will work well in this casserole.
Can this casserole be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative in the streusel for a delicious dairy-free breakfast option.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done in the oven or the microwave, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after being stored. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh!
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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 is a delicious blend of flavors that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Perfect for gatherings, enjoy the comforting taste of eggs, milk, and a sweet streusel topping baked to perfection.
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 aside.
- Cut 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, coating all the pieces.
- Cover the casserole and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
- To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and cut into the dry mixture until it all comes together to form a crumble.
- When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the top of the casserole, covering as much as you can.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Bake for less time for a softer texture, longer for a firmer texture.
- When the casserole is ready, serve it warm with syrup and toppings such as powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
You can prepare the casserole the night before for an easy morning meal.
Feel free to add fruits like berries or bananas to the bread mixture for extra flavor.
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
