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Easy Overnight French Toast Bake (Perfect for Christmas Morning)

Easy Overnight French Toast Bake Recipe

Easy Overnight French Toast Bake! Assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. It's warm, custardy, and a delicious breakfast the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
chilling 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the French Toast:
  • 1 loaf about 1 lb day-old brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk of choice
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Streusel Topping (Optional):
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

The night before
  1. Prep Dish & Bread: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  2. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  3. Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
  4. Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to soak for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
The morning of
  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats up.
  2. Make Streusel (If Using): In a medium bowl, combine the flour, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  3. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the French toast bake.
  4. Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean) and the top is golden brown and puffy. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
  5. Rest & Serve: Let the French toast bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve warm with additional maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.