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Overnight French Toast Bake

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This Overnight French Toast Bake is a warm, comforting breakfast made with cubes of bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked until golden and set. Prepared the night before, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, weekends, or busy mornings.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf (about 1214 ounces) day-old French bread, cut into cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional Topping:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Spread the cubed French bread evenly into the prepared dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until well combined.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.
  5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight.
  6. In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. If using the optional topping, mix the brown sugar and flour, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans and sprinkle over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Sturdy breads like brioche or challah work well and add extra richness.
  • For best texture, allow the mixture to soak overnight.
  • Add fresh berries or sliced fruit between the bread cubes for variation.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.

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