Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is not your average breakfast; it’s a warm, comforting dish that boasts rich flavors and a delightful texture. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of soft, custardy bread that have soaked up a perfectly spiced mixture, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that adds a layer of texture. It’s a dish that draws you in and keeps you coming back for more, and because it’s made in advance, it’s perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for an effortless way to impress my family during a cozy Sunday morning together. I was tired of the morning rush and wanted something that would allow for more time spent around the table rather than slaving over the stove. Since that day, this Overnight French Toast Casserole has become a staple in my home. The blend of sweet and spiced flavors is always a hit, and I love how easily it can be prepared ahead, making everything feel less hectic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep time, then let it sit overnight!
Irresistible Flavor: A deliciously sweet and fragrant combination of cinnamon and vanilla.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden brown layers and the crumbly topping look as delightful as they taste.
Flexible Serving: It’s perfect for brunch, holiday breakfasts, or even a cozy snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs; consider gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: This bread gives a delightful texture and flavor to the casserole. Sourdough provides a tangy note, while traditional French bread adds sweetness. If you don’t have these on hand, feel free to substitute with a classic white bread or challah for a richer taste.
8 large eggs: Eggs are the backbone of this dish, creating that custardy texture. Room temperature eggs work best to blend evenly into the mixture.
2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Milk helps soak the bread, creating that rich flavor. You can use skim milk, but the casserole may not be as creamy.
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This adds richness; the heavy cream makes the casserole creamy and indulgent. Substitute with half-and-half if necessary.
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: This sweetens the base mixture. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar can also be used for even more depth.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract: This enhances sweetness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! It adds warmth and spiciness. Feel free to adjust to your taste or even add a pinch of nutmeg for a twist.
¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: This will thicken your streusel topping, creating a nice crumble.
¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: This makes the streusel sweet and gives it a lovely texture. Again, dark brown sugar is a great substitute.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: More cinnamon in the topping will give the casserole even more flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Cold butter is essential for that crumbly streusel texture. Make sure not to melt it!

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Grease the dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish. This will help prevent your casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Spread these evenly across the bottom of the greased casserole dish, ensuring you cover the surface completely to allow for even soaking.

Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups (480ml) of milk, ½ cup (120ml) of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup (104g) of granulated sugar, ¼ cup (36g) of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to coat all the pieces.

Chill overnight: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the fridge for several hours or, preferably, overnight. This resting period allows the bread to soak up all that delightful custard.

Make the streusel topping: Combine ¾ cup (98g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (169g) of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a separate bowl. Add the ½ cup (112g) of cold, cut-up butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until it resembles a crumble. You can make this ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight for convenience.

Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). The anticipation will get everyone excited!

Top the casserole: Crumble the prepared streusel topping evenly across the top of the casserole. It should generously cover the bread for maximum crunch.

Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake it for 45 minutes to an hour. Bake it for a shorter time if you prefer a soft, custardy texture or up to an hour for a firmer one. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.

Serve warm: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm with maple syrup and feel free to sprinkle some powdered sugar or fresh fruit on top for extra flair!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, cover your casserole tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop pieces in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You may notice a slight change in texture, but drizzled syrup can help refresh the flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

If you’d like to avoid a soggy casserole, make sure to use bread that’s a day or two old; slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture without getting too soggy.
Try adding a bit of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a unique flavor twist.
Use a metal whisk to ensure your eggs are well blended, avoiding any stringy bits in your casserole.
For a little crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the streusel topping.
Prepare the casserole the night before to ensure the bread gets nice and soaked.

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is an absolute dream come true for anyone who enjoys sweet, spiced breakfasts. The balance of flavors, textures, and the ease of preparation make it a dish worth sharing. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and toppings, because that’s what cooking is all about! Enjoy every delicious bite, and may your mornings be wonderfully relaxed and filled with warmth!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free bread of your choice. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the soaking process for the best texture in your casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole without eggs?

You can try using flaxseed meal mixed with water or silken tofu as an egg substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly; it’s best to experiment to find what works for you.

What toppings go well with Overnight French Toast Casserole?

Popular toppings include maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also serve it with yogurt for a tangy contrast!

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make the casserole dairy-free, use nut milk (like almond or coconut milk) and replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or a dairy-free cream. Enjoy a delicious, rich flavor without the dairy!

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Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is a delightful breakfast treat. It’s made with hearty bread, creamy eggs, and sweet spices, making it the perfect choice for a cozy morning gathering. Prep is simple, and it can be made ahead for great convenience!

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set 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 resembles a crumble. Refrigerate this mixture if desired.
Preheat the oven to 350°F when ready to bake.
Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, adjusting time for the desired texture. Serve warm with syrup and toppings.

Notes

The casserole can be assembled a day ahead for added convenience.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Experiment with different toppings like nuts or seasonal fruits.