Description
Overnight vanilla bean French toast casserole with buttery topping, perfect make ahead breakfast for holidays, brunch, and cozy weekends.
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
Instructions
- Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the bread cubes and gently spread them into an even layer without packing them down.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to rub it into the sugar until small clumps form. Cover and refrigerate.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats.
- Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp and the center is set but still soft.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so the custard can fully set.
- Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar, topped with fresh berries, and finished with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or honey just before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use day old bread for better texture.
- Adjust spices according to your preference.
- Top with your favorite fruits.
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8.6 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: Overnight French Toast Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch