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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Cinnamon and Vanilla for Perfect Breakfast

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An easy, make-ahead French toast casserole infused with cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. It features a soft custardy center with a golden crust and requires minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% or almond milk for lighter/dairy-free options)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the baking dish)
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt until smooth and well combined.
  3. Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is coated but not falling apart. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Pour the custard-soaked bread mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out gently.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge, optionally sprinkle extra cinnamon and sugar on top for a crispier crust.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread can be dried in a low oven if needed. Chill casserole at least 6 hours or overnight for custard to absorb. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Grease baking dish well to prevent sticking. Optional add-ins include berries or nuts. Can be adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, cinnamon, vanilla, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, custardy French toast, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://grubella.com/easy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-cinnamon-and-vanilla-for-perfect-breakfast/