Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the ultimate breakfast treat that combines all the flavors of classic French toast but with less fuss. Picture this: slices of fresh sourdough or French bread soaked in a rich custard made of eggs, milk, and cream, blended with warm spices. Top it off with a buttery cinnamon streusel, and you have a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve. This is the kind of casserole that makes your kitchen smell divine while its golden crust whispers sweet promises of a great morning.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a holiday morning, and I wanted something special but simple, something that would allow me to enjoy the time with them without being stuck at the stove. This Overnight French Toast Casserole was the perfect answer. With just a bit of prep the night before, we had a warm, indulgent breakfast ready to greet us the next morning. If warm, cozy, and hearty breakfast fare sounds good to you, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep time, and you’re set!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and buttery streusel will make your taste buds dance.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole comes out of the oven golden and inviting, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: It’s fantastic for brunch, holiday breakfasts, or even as a sweet afternoon snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily modify with gluten-free bread or almond milk to cater to various diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: This gives the casserole its delightful texture, absorbing the custard beautifully. Alternatively, you can use challah or brioche for a richer flavor.
- 8 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating that custard-like filling. Fresh eggs yield the best results.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Whole milk adds creaminess, while 2% is a lighter option. You can also swap in almond or oat milk for dairy-free needs.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This enhances richness and gives the casserole a luxurious mouthfeel. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half works well too.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Provides sweetness, balancing the cinnamon flavor. You could substitute with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor, thanks to its molasses content. Feel free to use dark brown sugar for an even richer taste.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting aroma and taste. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice in this dish; the warm notes of cinnamon are comforting and delicious.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: This is for the streusel topping, providing structure. Whole wheat flour can be a good alternative if you want to add some nuttiness.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: This is also used in the streusel topping, for that perfect caramel-like flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Yes, more cinnamon for the topping! It’s the magic ingredient that ties everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: This enhances all the flavors in the dish; don’t skip it!
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Used in the streusel, it provides richness and helps create a crumbly texture. Make sure it’s cold for the best results.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish, ensuring that none of the deliciousness sticks to the bottom.
Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish, creating an even base.
Whisk the custard mix: 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 packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This rich mixture will transform the bread into a custardy delight.
Pour the custard: Pour the mixture evenly over the bread pieces, ensuring every chunk is well coated. Let the bread soak up all the delicious flavors.
Refrigerate overnight: Cover the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This step is key; it allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a moist texture.
Make the streusel topping: For the streusel, 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, cutting it into the mixture until it resembles a crumble. This can also be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, preheat your oven to 350ºF. The anticipation will be worth it!
Add the streusel: Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering it as much as possible to create that delicious contrast in texture.
Bake to perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour. For a softer, more moist texture, aim for a shorter baking time; if you prefer a firmer casserole, go for the full hour. The edges should be golden and slightly crisp.
Serve warm: Once it’s ready, serve the casserole warm, topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Each bite is a heavenly delight!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (though they might be hard to resist), allow the casserole to cool and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a warm-up, pop it in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change a little, but a drizzle of syrup can make it just as delightful!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps them incorporate better.
- Cut the butter into the dry ingredients for the streusel while it’s cold; this prevents it from melting and makes for a better texture.
- If you prefer a more custardy dish, try reducing the baking time slightly.
- Experiment with different breads like croissants or brioche for a unique flavor twist.
- If you’re short on time, it can be enjoyed after just a few hours of soaking, but overnight is best.
- Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for a fun variation.
You’ve just discovered a breakfast recipe that is bound to become a family favorite! With its dreamy texture and the warmth of cinnamon, this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is perfect for any gathering or a cozy morning in. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or mix-ins—let your creativity shine! I hope you enjoy every delicious bite and make this recipe your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole without overnight soaking?
Absolutely, while the overnight soaking helps the bread absorb the custard, you can allow it to soak for just a few hours if you’re short on time. Just ensure you cover it well to prevent dryness.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a little extra time to ensure it heats through.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
The casserole will be fully baked when the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can also stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
What toppings do you recommend?
You can’t go wrong with classic maple syrup! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch as well. Customize it based on your cravings.
PrintMore Breakfast Recipes
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes (Base Recipe for Any Topping)
- Strawberry Lemon Scones
- The BEST Overnight Oats Recipes (Easy & Healthy)
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Blueberry Overnight Oats (5-Ingredient, Meal-Prep)
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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 offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any gathering or cozy morning at home. Simple to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients like sourdough bread, rich custard, and sweet streusel, it’s the ultimate comfort food that 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 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 forms a crumble. Refrigerate this mixture overnight if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF before baking.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the top of the casserole, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Shorter time for a softer texture, longer for a firmer one.
- Serve warm with syrup and toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
Feel free to use your preferred type of bread for this casserole.
For a sweeter streusel, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
