Name: Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the superstar of brunch gatherings! Picture this: tender, fluffy bread soaking in a rich custard overnight and then baking until golden, with a topping that’s both sweet and crunchy. This dish embodies everything we love about breakfast – warm comfort, sweet indulgence, and a delightful aroma that fills your home. With just a handful of ingredients, this casserole stands out as an effortless yet impressive dish that transforms the morning hustle into a treat.

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 stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy weekend with friends, and it quickly became our go-to for lazy Sunday brunches. No more scrambling to make breakfast for a crowd; this recipe allows you to prepare ahead of time and spend quality moments with your loved ones. It’s not just delicious; it’s a warm embrace on a plate. I can’t wait for you to discover how rewarding and scrumptious this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Just 20 minutes of prep and let the oven do the work.
Irresistible Flavor: Combines classic French toast with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that will make your taste buds dance.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully baked and golden, it’s presented right in the casserole dish for a stunning brunch centerpiece.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, be it breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat at sunset.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable with gluten-free bread or dairy alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: This type of bread has a great texture and flavor that absorb the custard beautifully. Feel free to substitute with challah or brioche for an even richer taste.
8 large eggs: The eggs create the custard base, providing that rich, creamy consistency. Using fresh, organic eggs elevates the dish.
2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Whole milk will yield a creamier consistency, but 2% is perfectly fine. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and depth to the custard. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you may use half-and-half instead.
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: This sweetens the custard. You might try using coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: Enhances the flavor, giving a little extra warmth. Dark brown sugar works too for a more intense caramel flavor.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. It’s worth it!
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: This spice is essential for that warm, comforting taste. Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a twist.
¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Used for the streusel topping to provide that delightful crumbly texture.
¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: This adds sweetness and depth to the streusel topping.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: A star component in the streusel for a warm, aromatic finish.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): For that luscious streusel topping, use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Grease the casserole dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures easy release and cleanup once your delightful casserole is baked.

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, filling every nook and cranny for a more delightful experience.

Make 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 until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Refrigerate: Cover the casserole and let it chill in the fridge for several hours, or ideally, overnight. This soaking time is key for achieving that deliciously soft texture as the bread absorbs all the flavors.

Prepare the streusel topping: While your casserole soaks, make the streusel by combining 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 bowl. Cut in ½ cup (112g) of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, combining with your fingers or a pastry cutter. Chill the streusel in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Preheat your oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

Top the casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the bread and custard mixture, covering as much of the casserole as possible.

Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a softer texture, aim for the shorter end of the baking time; for a firmer casserole, let it go the full hour. Look for an inviting golden top and edges that are bubbling slightly.

Serve warm: Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve warm. It pairs beautifully with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Storing & Reheating

For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week, ensuring it’s well covered to avoid drying out. You can also freeze the casserole for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a drizzle of syrup can refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid sogginess by ensuring the bread is just stale enough before soaking. Fresh bread may not absorb the custard as well.
Use room temperature eggs and ingredients for an evenly mixed custard, promoting better texture.
For added texture, leave some of the streusel out and sprinkle it on during the last 10-15 minutes of baking for an extra-crunchy topping.
Make sure to cover the casserole while baking to avoid excess browning, uncovering it for the last 10 minutes for that golden finish.
Experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips or nuts for a personalized twist.

Indulging in a slice of Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel means welcoming warmth and comfort right into your breakfast table. This recipe is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and delight around the table. I encourage you to play with the toppings, maybe even try adding a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing contrast. Your family and friends will love it, and you’ll find yourself making excuses just to whip it up again! Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! One of the fantastic features of this recipe is that it can be prepared the night before. Simply assemble everything, cover it, and let it soak in the refrigerator.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the edges are bubbling a bit, that’s a great indicator, too!

What should I do if I don’t have sourdough or French bread?

You can use any bread that’s slightly stale or crusty. Bottle or enriched breads like challah or brioche work beautifully, yielding a richer taste and texture.

How can I reheat leftovers while preserving texture?

To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for about 20 minutes. This prevents the casserole from drying out while allowing it to heat thoroughly. If too dry, serve with a fresh drizzle of syrup!