Irresistible Overnight Baked French Toast Recipe

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of syrupy goodness. Overnight baked French toast is not just a dish; it’s a cozy hug for your taste buds, wrapping you in warmth and comfort. cozy morning meals Picture this: tender bread soaked in a luscious custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh berries. It’s like waking up to a breakfast fairy who sprinkled magic over your morning!

This dish is perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. I remember the first time I made this for brunch with friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and suddenly all my kitchen mishaps were forgotten. perfect brunch pairing The anticipation of that first mouthful is enough to make anyone’s stomach growl louder than a bear in hibernation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Overnight baked French toast is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings
  • The delightful flavor combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a comforting experience
  • Its beautiful golden-brown appearance will impress your guests at any gathering
  • You can easily customize toppings based on personal preferences or seasonal fruits

I recall one unforgettable Sunday morning when I served this dish to my family, and the joy on their faces was priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah work best for that dreamy texture.

  • Eggs: Use large eggs for the custard base; they help create richness.

  • Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but feel free to use alternatives if you prefer.

  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice; don’t skimp on this!

  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor; imitation just won’t cut it.

  • Maple Syrup: For drizzling over the top—because life’s too short for pancake syrup.

  • Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add freshness and color.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory stuffed flank steak.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Bread: Start by slicing your bread into thick pieces—about one inch each—that will soak up that tasty custard.

Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined and frothy—a beautiful sight! hearty taco bowl.

Soak the Bread: Layer half of the bread slices in a greased baking dish. Pour half of the custard mixture over them so they can soak up all that goodness.

Add Layers of Flavor: Place remaining bread slices on top and pour the rest of the custard mixture evenly over everything. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Chill Overnight: Let this sit in your fridge overnight so those flavors can meld together beautifully.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Enjoying overnight baked French toast is not just about eating; it’s an experience filled with laughter and shared memories. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself on a lazy Monday morning, each bite transports you into a world where breakfast reigns supreme. So go ahead; embrace your inner chef (or brunch-loving superhero) and whip up this delightful dish! For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe.

You Must Know

  • Overnight baked French toast is a delightful way to impress breakfast guests
  • This dish combines the comfort of French toast with the convenience of overnight prep, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you sleep
  • The golden-brown crust and custardy center create an irresistible texture and taste

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the custard mixture and soaking the bread overnight. In the morning, bake it at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until golden.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with flavored syrups or different types of bread.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect overnight baked French toast, use stale bread; it absorbs more custard without becoming soggy
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and spice while a drizzle of maple syrup elevates flavors
  • Always let it soak overnight for best results

The first time I made overnight baked French toast, my friends were wowed! They raved about how easy it was to prepare while I enjoyed my coffee, proving deliciousness doesn’t have to come with all-nighters.

FAQs

FAQ

What type of bread works best for overnight baked French toast?

Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah absorbs the custard perfectly without getting soggy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread for a tasty alternative that everyone can enjoy.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Overnight Baked French Toast


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Overnight baked French toast is a delightful morning treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla with a custardy center, creating an unforgettable breakfast experience. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, allowing you to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Just prepare it the night before, let the flavors meld, and bake it to golden perfection in the morning. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup for a sweet finish that will leave everyone craving more!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
  • 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Instructions

  1. Slice the bread into one-inch thick pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until frothy.
  3. Layer half of the bread slices in a greased baking dish and pour half of the custard mixture over them.
  4. Add remaining bread slices on top and pour the rest of the custard mixture evenly over everything. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate overnight.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.