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Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

A thick slice of baked french toast with a rich, brown cinnamon streusel topping sitting on a small plate.
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This recipe gives you a fluffy, custardy baked french toast casserole that you prepare the night before. Bake it in the morning for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. This is your custard base.
  3. Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This soaking time is key for a fluffy result.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread mixture.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (no liquid remains when lightly poked).
  9. Let the baked french toast casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use day-old bread. Stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
  • If you are short on time, you can skip the overnight rest, but allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  • This recipe works well as a make ahead brunch idea for holiday mornings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/baked-french-toast-casserole-recipe/