Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the ultimate breakfast indulgence that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, custardy delight. The combination of crusty bread soaked in rich, eggy goodness, topped with a crunchy streusel, creates a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Unlike the phony delights you might find at a brunch buffet, this recipe brings the real deal to your kitchen—a huge crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this gem during a family gathering, where I was tasked with bringing something to lighten the mood of a dark, rainy morning. As the rich aroma of cinnamon wafted through the house, it seemed to cast a spell of comfort and warmth. Once we dug in, there was no turning back—everyone devoured it! If a breakfast bombshell like this sounds like the perfect solution to your morning routine, or if you want to impress friends and family at your next brunch, this Overnight French Toast Casserole is your go-to dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can prepare this overnight casserole in just 20 minutes, making your morning a breeze.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet creamy custard and sweet, buttery, crunchy streusel is unbeatable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden crust and the bubbling streusel make this a showstopper at any breakfast table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or anytime you want a delicious start to the day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: Sourdough adds a wonderful tang and texture, but feel free to use your favorite bread.
- 8 large eggs: The base for the custard, adding richness and structure to the casserole.
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Creamy milk blends perfectly with the eggs for a silky custard.
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This enhances the richness and gives the casserole a luxurious texture.
- ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Just the right amount for that sweet flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: It brings a subtle hint of caramel that’s heavenly in breakfast dishes.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is a must for flavor depth and aroma.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: It adds warmth and the unmistakable smell of a cozy breakfast.
- ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: The base for the streusel topping; it provides that crumbly texture we all love.
- ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: For that rich sweetness in your streusel.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: More for the streusel, because who doesn’t love extra cinnamon?
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Cold butter is key for that perfect crumble in the streusel.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Grease the Dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. This is essential for ensuring your casserole comes out cleanly.
Cut the Bread: Take your loaf of sourdough or French bread and cut it into 1-inch chunks. Spread the chunks evenly in your greased dish, allowing for plenty of room for the custard to soak in.
Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups (480ml) milk, ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring that each piece is fully coated.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Allow it to sit for several hours, or ideally, overnight so the bread can absorb all that custardy goodness.
Make the Streusel Topping: For the streusel, combine ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a mixing bowl. Add ½ cup (112g) cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles a coarse crumb. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight as well.
Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). The warmth of the oven will help build that beautiful golden crust.
Assemble the Topping: Crumble the prepared streusel topping evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover as much of the bread as you can to maximize the crunchy topping!
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. For a softer texture, opt for less time; a longer bake will yield a firmer casserole. Keep an eye on it; when the edges are golden and bubbling, it’s time to come out.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Drizzle with syrup and adorn with powdered sugar or fresh fruit if desired.
Storing & Reheating
Once you’ve enjoyed your Overnight French Toast Casserole, any leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours. Refrigerate them in an airtight container, where they’ll keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350ºF (177ºC) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through to refresh its texture and flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid sogginess by letting your bread sit out for a few hours before using. This dries it out just enough for optimal absorption.
- Use room temperature eggs for easier whisking, which will ensure a smoother custard.
- Don’t rush the overnight soaking process; the longer, the better your casserole will taste.
- If the streusel topping is too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter to help it clump together nicely.
- Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or fresh berries into the bread for a fun twist!
This overnight casserole is not just a recipe; it’s a way to elevate your mornings into something special. It effortlessly combines the richness of French toast with the ease of a casserole, making it a delicious choice for any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday or a simple weekend brunch, don’t hesitate to experiment with your toppings or add-ins. Enjoy this warm casserole and make it a beloved tradition in your breakfast repertoire!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use gluten-free bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works perfectly for this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel. Just make sure to choose a bread that holds its shape well and can absorb the custard without falling apart.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, this casserole is designed to be made ahead! Assemble it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! The edges will appear golden brown, and the casserole will be bubbly around the edges.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve your Overnight French Toast Casserole with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. The options are endless and add a personal touch!
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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: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the delightful flavors of Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel. This easy, make-ahead dish features sourdough bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and cream, topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, providing a comforting start to your day.
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 the 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, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- 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. This can be stored in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF when ready to bake.
- Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole, covering as much as possible.
- Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, adjusting time to achieve your desired texture.
- Serve the casserole warm with syrup and optional toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.
Notes
Letting the casserole rest overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
For a firmer texture, bake towards the longer end of the time.
Experiment with different toppings such as nuts or additional spices for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
