Description

This Overnight Vanilla Bean French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast that combines the rich flavors of brioche, vanilla, and maple syrup. It’s easy to prepare, simply refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a comforting start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound day old brioche or challah, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
7 large eggs
¾ cup heavy cream
1¾ cups whole milk
⅓ cup maple syrup (or honey)
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but recommended)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 tablespoons cold butter, grated or finely diced
powdered sugar
fresh berries
warm maple syrup or honey

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Instructions

Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish generously.
Add the bread cubes and spread them into an even layer without packing them down.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and then add heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt. Whisk until combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and gently press down to help it absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the sugar until small clumps form. Cover and refrigerate.
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge as the oven heats.
Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the soaked bread and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden and set but still soft in the center.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm topped with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey if desired.

Notes

Using day-old bread helps achieve the perfect texture in the casserole.
Feel free to add your favorite fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
For a richer custard, you can substitute part of the milk with more cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 220mg