Overnight French Toast

This cinnamon-spiked overnight French toast is an excellent make-ahead breakfast or brunch. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, morning gatherings, or any time you want a cozy, no-fuss dish ready to bake in the fridge. Preparation starts with thick slices of French bread layered on a buttery brown sugar-maple sauce. Add a custardy egg batter, refrigerate it, and it’s ready to bake in the morning. The baked French toast is custardy on the inside, with a lightly caramelized bottom and a warm, cinnamon flavor throughout.

The dish is similar to bread pudding, so it can also double as a dessert or snack. Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce, crème anglaise, or maple syrup for a delicious ending to any meal.

The magic happens while it rests in the fridge—at least four hours, but preferably overnight—allowing the egg custard to fully soak into the bread. In the morning, all that’s left is to pop it in the oven and delight in the aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple filling your kitchen.

It’s flexible, easy to prepare ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm from the oven, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, or topped with fresh fruit for a beautiful breakfast centerpiece.

🥖 Ingredients

• Base Layer: Maple syrup, heavy cream, butter, and brown sugar combine to make a rich maple-flavored layer that becomes the topping when flipped over.
• Bread: About 12 to 14 ounces of French bread or a similar firm bread make up the
• Egg Batter: Large eggs are whisked with milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to make a flavored batter that will soak into the bread. This will create the soft custard with vanilla and warm spice notes.

🥣 Overnight French Toast Step-By-Step

Step 1: Make the base layer

Combine the brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and cream in a saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved and the butter has melted. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Slice and arrange the bread

Slice the bread and arrange it in a single layer over the brown sugar layer.

Step 3: Make the egg custard batter

Combine the egg, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Pour the batter over the bread

Pour the egg batter mixture over the bread slices and press gently to soak them thoroughly. Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the overnight French toast, uncovered, in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until browned and bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Invert the French toast bake

Run a knife around the edge of the baked French toast and invert it onto a large platter or baking sheet.

Step 7: Serve

Cut the French toast into squares and serve with maple syrup or a dessert sauce, such as crème anglaise, fruit coulis, or caramel.

📇 Recipe Variations

Berry Swirl – Dot the spoonfuls of berry preserves or fresh berries before baking.

Cream Cheese – Add cubes of cream cheese for a stuffed French toas-style casserole.

Chocolate Chip – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the bread for a kid-friendly treat.

❄️ Storage and Reheating

• Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
• To freeze, arrange slices on a baking sheet and freeze. Wrap the frozen slices in foil and place in freezer bags. Label with the name and date and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge ovenight.
• To reheat, microwave until heated through place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bage at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Print