Irresistible Overnight French Toast Bake
A cozy and fuss-free overnight French toast bake that combines creamy custard-soaked bread with warm spices, perfect for a decadent and homemade breakfast ready when you wake up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes to overnight (including soaking time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- 8 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing and topping)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Optional add-ins: fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Spread on a baking sheet and let sit overnight if fresh, or use day-old bread directly. (Approx. 10 minutes)
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. (Approx. 5 minutes)
- Place bread cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing gently to soak. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours. (Approx. 10 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Mix melted butter with brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set. Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean.
- Let bake cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Notes
Use slightly stale brioche or challah for best texture. If bread is very fresh, toast cubes lightly before soaking to prevent sogginess. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly. Let bake rest before slicing for best results. Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions are possible with appropriate ingredient swaps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of d
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 10
Keywords: overnight French toast bake, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, cinnamon French toast, custard soaked bread, holiday breakfast, make ahead breakfast