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Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

A close-up of a square slice of moist french toast casserole topped with cinnamon streusel sugar.
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Prepare this rich and creamy French Toast Casserole the night before for an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or holiday brunch. It bakes up fluffy with a warm cinnamon flavor and a satisfying streusel topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) thick-cut bread, such as brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread cubes.
  3. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
  4. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and streusel topping, ensuring all the bread soaks up the liquid. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
  5. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole dish.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean).
  8. Let the baked french toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture; it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the whole milk with half-and-half.
  • If you need to bake immediately, let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, though overnight preparation yields superior results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/french-toast-casserole-make-ahead-brunch-bake/