Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the ultimate breakfast dish that promises a delightful start to your day. Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen. This casserole combines the rich flavors of eggs, milk, and cream, all lovingly soaked into tender chunks of bread, leading to a cozy texture that’s both fluffy and custardy. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, it transforms a simple breakfast into a festive feast.

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

You might remember the first time you indulged in a French toast casserole—perhaps it was at a family gathering or a holiday brunch. The moment you took that first bite, with the buttery bread melting in your mouth and the hint of sweetness lingering, you knew it was going to be a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s that perfect blend of ease and elegance, making it an ideal choice for lazy weekends or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating your loved ones on a busy weekday, this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is your answer to a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes only 20 minutes, plus an overnight soak.
Irresistible Flavor: A delightful blend of creamy custard and cinnamon spice.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully golden-brown topping makes it visually impressive.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable with alternative milks and gluten-free bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread: Using crusty bread ensures a sturdy texture that holds the custard well. Feel free to substitute with brioche for a sweeter flavor.
8 large eggs: Eggs create a rich, custard-like base. Room temperature eggs yield a creamier texture.
2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%): Whole milk adds richness, while 2% keeps it slightly lighter. Oat or almond milk can work for dairy-free diets.
½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream: This elevates the creaminess; however, half-and-half can serve as a lighter substitute.
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard; feel free to reduce for less sweetness.
¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar: It adds a nice caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar can be swapped for a deeper taste.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: This spice brings warmth; you can add nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour: Essential for the streusel; gluten-free flour blends can be used for a gluten-free version.
¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar: This also sweetens the streusel. You could mix in some oats for added texture.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Added to the streusel for that beloved cinnamon flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness; don’t skip this!
½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces): Cold butter helps achieve the perfect crumbly texture in the streusel.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Grease the casserole dish: Grab a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and grease it generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cut the bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch chunks. Arrange the pieces evenly in the bottom of the greased casserole dish for consistent soaking and cooking.

Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups (480ml) whole or 2% milk, ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. Pour this warm, fragrant mixture over the bread chunks, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Cover and refrigerate: Tightly cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This soaking time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.

Make the streusel: Get ahead by mixing ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add ½ cup (112g) cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs. If preparing ahead, cool it and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) while savoring the enticing aroma of the soaking bread.

Add the streusel topping: Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top, covering as much of it as you can for that perfect texture contrast.

Bake it: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. For a softer, more moist texture, aim for the shorter end of the baking time, and if you prefer a firmer result, let it bake longer. Look for a golden-brown top and filling that’s bubbling around the edges.

Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with powdered sugar or fresh fruit for extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven for about 20-25 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The texture may slightly alter upon reheating; a quick drizzle of syrup can help refresh its moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid letting your bread become too soggy by using slightly stale bread; it holds the custard better.
Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth custard.
If your biscuit or bread is overly moist after baking, reduce the baking time during your next attempt.
Dabble with flavors by adding citrus zest or other spices to the custard.
For more crunch in your topping, consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel.

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is a cozy, inviting dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again. With minimal prep work and an overnight wait, it’s a breeze to put together, making mornings more enjoyable and stress-free. Enjoy exploring variations and find your perfect twist on this beloved casserole.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While sourdough and French bread are ideal for their texture, you can use brioche, challah, or even gluten-free bread for an alternative. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to soak in the custard without falling apart.

How long can I store the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To keep them fresh longer, consider freezing the casserole for up to 3 months. It’s best to portion it out before freezing for convenient reheating.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, you can certainly modify this recipe for a vegan option. Use your favorite plant-based milk, substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and swap the heavy cream with a non-dairy counterpart like coconut cream.

Can I prepare this casserole on the same day without refrigeration overnight?

While it’s best to refrigerate Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel overnight, you can still make it the same day. Allow it to soak for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature before baking. Just remember that the flavors might not meld as beautifully!