Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the perfect cozy dish to serve at brunch or enjoy on a leisurely Sunday morning. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet bread, and buttery streusel wafting through your home. This dish is downright comforting, with its pillowy chunks of bread soaked in a custardy mix, making each bite delectably rich and satisfying. It’s essentially a baked version of traditional French toast, allowing for easy serving and minimal effort.
Table of Contents
I first encountered this delightful casserole at a family gathering, where it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Since then, it has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply when a breakfast craving strikes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a luxurious brunch treat but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet morning with your family, Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel steals the show every time. You’re sure to love the comforting warmth and delightful flavors that make it truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep, this dish goes in the fridge overnight, making mornings a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: Custardy bread meets cinnamon-sugar goodness for a delectable taste that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with a golden streusel, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your table.
- Flexible Serving: Great for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: This provides the perfect texture—soft on the inside yet firm enough to hold up in the custard.
- 8 large eggs: The base for your custard mixture, giving structure and richness.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess; whole milk gives the richest flavor, but 2% works too.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: Contributes to the decadence of the casserole; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: For depth of flavor, use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives the casserole its inviting aroma.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Used for the streusel topping, providing the right crumbly texture.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: This is the main sweetener for the streusel, enhancing its flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: For that extra layer of warmth in your streusel.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Essential for achieving that rich, buttery streusel topping.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease your dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish well to prevent sticking. This will help the casserole come out easily when it’s baked.
Prepare the Bread: Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Spread the pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish, ensuring every inch is covered for even soaking.
Whisk 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 packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this delightful mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
Chill: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It’s best to let it chill for several hours or, even better, overnight. This step ensures the bread absorbs all the custard goodness.
Make the Streusel: When you’re almost ready to bake, it’s time for the streusel topping. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cut in ½ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can refrigerate this mixture overnight as well.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). After the casserole has rested, crumble the streusel topping evenly over the top, making sure to cover as much of the casserole as possible for that beautiful crispiness in every bite.
Check for Doneness: Bake the casserole for 45 minutes to an hour. Keep an eye on it; if you prefer a softer texture, pull it out closer to 45 minutes. If you like it firmer, let it bake a bit longer, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, serve the casserole warm, drizzled with syrup and framed with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days. If you have more leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and bake it for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing; refreshing it in the oven can help revive its former glory.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoiding Soggy Bread: Use day-old bread for the best texture; stale bread soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Egg Temperature: For the creamiest custard, use room temperature eggs; just let them sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange juice to the custard for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole is a perfect dish to prepare the night before, so you can enjoy stress-free mornings.
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel combines the best elements of breakfast into one simple dish. The custard-soaked bread mingling with crumbly cinnamon streusel creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to experiment by adding your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or berries, to personalize it. Whether you serve it at a brunch gathering or enjoy it with your family on a cozy weekend, this dish is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful breakfast treat!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While sourdough or French bread works best, feel free to use brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread you prefer. Just make sure it’s a bit stale to absorb the custard nicely.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply swap regular bread for a gluten-free bread that you enjoy. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the flour in the streusel topping.
Can I prepare it without the streusel?
Certainly! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the streusel topping. Just bake the custard-soaked bread as is, and it’ll still be deliciously comforting.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the edges are golden brown and puffed up, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. For a softer texture, remember to check it at around 45 minutes!
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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 offers delightful flavors and simple preparation. It’s perfect for breakfast gatherings, combining rich ingredients for an unforgettable morning treat.
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 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.
- For the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and cut into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. Store in the fridge overnight if desired.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF when ready to bake the casserole.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, adjusting time for preferred texture.
- Serve warm with syrup and additional toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
For a moister casserole, reduce the baking time slightly.
Feel free to add nuts or fruit to the streusel for added texture and flavor.
Make it a day ahead for an easy morning prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
