Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is a warm, delightful dish that will make your mornings feel special. This breakfast casserole combines crispy, toasted edges with soft, custardy bread soaked in a sweet mixture of eggs, milk, and rich cream. The cinnamon streusel topping adds an irresistible crunchy touch, making every bite a cozy treat that feels like a hug from mom. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to elevate your weekend breakfast, this dish is the perfect solution.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this Weekend French Toast Casserole; I was excited yet nervous, wondering if I could pull off the same delightful flavors I had enjoyed at my favorite café. To my surprise, it turned out perfectly! Since then, it has become a beloved staple in my recipe collection. It’s easy to prepare, and the beauty of this dish is that you can make it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try this and enjoy the smiles that come with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can prep it in just 20 minutes and let the fridge do all the work overnight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and creamy textures creates a breakfast experience that’s truly memorable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its golden-brown top and tempting aroma, it’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, family brunches, or even just a cozy weekend treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customize this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using appropriate substitutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or french bread: Don’t skimp here; select a nice, fresh loaf for the best texture—stale bread works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- 8 large eggs: These create the custard base, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Whole milk offers a creamier texture, but 2% still provides great results—choose what you have!
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This adds decadence and creaminess to the casserole.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: This sweetens the dish and balances the cinnamon.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla to really boost the flavor; imitation can work in a pinch.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: A warm spice that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: This is used for the streusel topping, making it crumbly and delicious.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: Another layer of sweetness for the streusel, ensuring it has that delightful crunch.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Added to the streusel for an extra zing that complements the casserole.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A crucial ingredient that enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Important for the streusel, creating that crispy texture when baked.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the dish: Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
Cut the bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch chunks. Spread these evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish, creating a lovely, rustic layer.
Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups (480ml) milk, ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon until smooth and well-blended.
Pour the mixture: Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread chunks. Make sure to coat every piece so it can soak up the custard goodness.
Cover and refrigerate: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This is where the magic happens, allowing the bread to soak up all those flavors.
Make the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Next, add ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces) and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it until it forms a crumbly texture.
Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Top the casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top, covering as much surface as possible.
Bake: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a softer texture, lean towards the shorter time; for a firmer casserole, let it bake longer until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Serve warm: After baking, allow it to cool slightly, then serve warm drizzled with syrup and garnished with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your casserole at room temperature, it can sit out for just a couple of hours. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, where it will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to make it ahead, it freezes beautifully! Freeze unused portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 20 minutes—or microwave individual portions until warm. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious. A quick refresh with a drizzle of maple syrup can help bring the flavors back alive!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid using fresh bread; slightly stale bread works best for soaking up that custard.
- For a richer flavor, let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing.
- If the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it lightly with foil.
- Don’t skip the streusel topping—it’s what elevates this dish from great to absolutely spectacular.
- For a flavor twist, add in chocolate chips or dried fruit before baking.
- Feel free to make it a day ahead to save time on busy mornings!
This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel not only brings comfort to your breakfast table but also invites a lovely aromatic moment that fills your kitchen. It’s creamy, sweet, and utterly delightful! Enjoy the process of adapting this recipe to fit your taste, and delight in sharing it with family and friends.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure you choose a loaf that holds up well to soaking for the best results.
Can I prepare this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use all milk instead of combining it with heavy cream. Your casserole will still turn out delicious, though it might be slightly less rich.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and the center feels set. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.
Can I add toppings before baking?
While toppings can add flavor, we recommend adding the streusel on top of the casserole right before baking to keep it crunchy and prevent it from becoming soggy during the overnight soaking. Enjoy the crunchy texture!
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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 simple preparation, making it a perfect choice for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Enjoy the delightful mix of sourdough bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture and topped with a crunchy streusel for a comforting dish everyone will love.
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 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 this mixture evenly over the bread to coat all pieces.
- Cover the casserole and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- To create the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a crumble. This can be made ahead and stored in the fridge overnight if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF when ready to bake the casserole.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole prior to baking.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Adjust baking time for desired texture, with less time yielding a moister dish and more time resulting in a firmer dish.
- Serve warm, adding syrup and toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit as preferred.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared the night before for a hassle-free morning breakfast.
Feel free to substitute the bread with brioche for a sweeter option.
Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
