There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly baked French toast wafting through the house. This Easy Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Streusel is a game changer, perfect for lazy weekend brunches or special holiday mornings. Imagine gathering around the table with your family, indulging in warm, custardy bread topped with a crispy cinnamon streusel. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to relax and enjoy your guests.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
This dish isn’t just a breakfast; it’s a comforting treat that everyone loves. It’s quick to put together, budget-friendly, and can easily feed a crowd. Whether it’s a bustling brunch with friends, a cozy family breakfast, or a festive holiday gathering, this recipe shines through. Plus, there’s so little cleanup involved, making it a winner in any home.
“This Easy Overnight French Toast Bake was a hit at our family gathering! The texture was perfect and the streusel added a lovely crunch.”
Ready to impress your loved ones with minimal effort? This recipe can also be prepped a day in advance, freeing up your morning. Remember, along with this delightful bake, you might want to explore other breakfast options. For example, try your hand at an easy baked French toast casserole for a different twist!
How to make Easy Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Streusel
Step-by-step overview
Creating this delightful breakfast is as straightforward as it is satisfying. You’ll be cubing bread, whisking together a creamy custard, and preparing a sweet streusel topping. The key to success here is allowing the bread to soak overnight, ensuring every bite is deliciously custardy when baked. In just a few steps, you’ll have a wholesome breakfast ready to pop in the oven.
Ingredients
What you’ll need
To get started, here are the essential ingredients for this delicious dish:
- 8 cups sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (divided between custard and streusel)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (split between custard and streusel)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
You can easily substitute the bread for others you have at hand or use non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by cubing the bread into 1-inch pieces and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Place the bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the custard mixture over the bread. Gently press down to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In another bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create coarse crumbs.
- When ready, uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the streusel has turned golden and crisp.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to serve Easy Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Streusel
Best ways to enjoy it
This beautiful French toast bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a complete meal. Dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation.
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
Once baked, this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you won’t finish it within that time, consider freezing individual portions. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or place it back in the oven covered at a low temperature until heated through. Always ensure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the custard. If you prefer a sweeter profile, you can increase the sugar slightly or add some chopped fruits like apples or berries into the mix before baking. Another pro tip? Using stale bread ensures optimal absorption of the custard, which enhances texture and flavor.
Variations
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread or even combine them for unique flavors! Sourdough brings a delightful tang, while cinnamon-raisin bread adds sweetness. You could also try adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch and decadence.
FAQs
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time?
The prep time is approximately 20 minutes, while soaking the bread allows for effortless morning cooking.Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread, and ensure other ingredients like milk are also gluten-free.How long does it last in the fridge?
The dish can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or you can freeze portions for later enjoyment.
In conclusion, this Easy Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Streusel is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together at the breakfast table.
Print
Easy Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Streusel
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, featuring custardy bread topped with a crispy cinnamon streusel.
Ingredients
- 8 cups sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (split)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by cubing the bread into 1-inch pieces and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Place the bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the custard mixture over the bread. Gently press down to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In another bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create coarse crumbs.
- When ready, uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the streusel has turned golden and crisp.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter profile, increase the sugar slightly or add chopped fruits like apples or berries. Using stale bread ensures optimal absorption of the custard.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American