Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Picture golden-brown pieces of bread soaking up a rich, sweet custard, then topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior. This casserole combines the classic breakfast favorite of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead dish, making it a dream for busy mornings or festive brunches. With every bite, you’re met with the delightful fusion of sweet and spicy notes, a delightful way to start the day.

I fondly remember the first time I made this Overnight French Toast Casserole. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and after a week full of hustle, I craved something that felt like a warm hug. As I chopped the bread and whisked together the custard, the anticipation was palpable. By the time it was ready to come out of the oven, my home was filled with a delightful aroma that made it impossible to resist. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort yet brings maximum satisfaction, then this recipe is for you. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound loaf of sourdough or French bread
A dense bread like sourdough or French helps hold up against the custard, resulting in a beautifully fluffy texture. If you have stale bread, this is the perfect way to use it up!

8 large eggs
These provide the structure and richness to the custard mixture. Be sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.

2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
Whole milk gives a decadent creaminess, but 2% works just fine if you prefer something lighter.

½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
Adding heavy cream enhances the richness and makes the casserole extra sumptuous.

½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
This is essential for sweetness, blending perfectly with the other flavors.

¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
Brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Vanilla brings warmth and depth; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
This aromatic spice is what makes the casserole smell heavenly while it bakes.

¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
Flour is key for the streusel topping, giving it that perfect crumbly texture.

¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
It works together with the flour to create the sweet topping, giving it a delightful caramel note.

2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the streusel topping, this adds more of that cozy flavor we love.

¼ teaspoon salt
Salt balances the sweetness, enhancing all the other flavors.

½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces)
Using cold butter gives the streusel its crumbly, irresistible texture.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

Grease the dish: Start by greasing a 9 x 13 casserole dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray, ensuring an easy release after baking.

Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into 1-inch chunks. Spread these evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish, making sure to cover the surface completely.

Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.

Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces, ensuring every chunk is well soaked. This step is vital for a creamy texture. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to soak for several hours or, ideally, overnight.

Make the streusel topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Add ½ cup of cold, cut-up butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can refrigerate this topping if you’re preparing it ahead.

Preheat the oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).

Add the topping: Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the soaked bread. Cover as much of the surface as you can for that crunchy finish.

Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a softer casserole, check it at the 45-minute mark. The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbling when done.

Serve and enjoy: Once your casserole is fresh from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Drizzle with syrup and top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for an extra touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of this Overnight French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but refreshing it with a drizzle of syrup can bring back its delightful flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! While sourdough and French bread work best for providing a fluffy texture, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even whole-grain bread. Just be aware that different breads can slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they can all be delicious in this casserole!

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To create a gluten-free version of the Overnight French Toast Casserole, use gluten-free bread. Be sure to check that your selected toppings, like the flour in the streusel, are also gluten-free. Additionally, double-check the vanilla extract and any other packaged ingredients for gluten-free certification.

Can I add toppings to the casserole?

Definitely! You can add fruit like sliced bananas, blueberries, or strawberries right into the mixture before soaking. If you prefer, mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with additional milk, but keep in mind that this may result in a slightly less rich casserole. For a thicker alternative, you might try half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese blended to a smooth consistency.

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📖 Recipe Card

Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Streusel offers a unique take on a classic dish. Filled with tender bread soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and sugars, it’s perfect for a stress-free breakfast or brunch. The cinnamon streusel adds a crunchy texture, making it an irresistible treat for any gathering!

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound loaf of sourdough or french bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (36g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (98g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (169g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (112g) butter (cut into pieces)

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Instructions

• Grease a 9 x 13 casserole dish and set aside.
• Cut bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, coating all the pieces.
• Cover the casserole and store it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
• To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and cut it into the dry mixture until it forms a crumble. This can be refrigerated overnight if desired.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF.
• Crumble the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
• Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Adjust baking time for desired texture—less time for a moist casserole and more time for a firmer one.
• Serve warm with syrup and other toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

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Notes

You can prepare the casserole the night before, making it convenient for mornings.
For a different flavor, consider adding fruits like blueberries or bananas to the bread mixture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven for best results.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

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