Easy Overnight French Toast Recipe
Introduction
Easy Overnight French Toast is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, maple, and buttery bread. This simple recipe lets you prepare the night before, so all you need to do is bake and enjoy in the morning.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1″ thick
- 12 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or ½ teaspoon maple extract)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices and let them dry on the counter for a couple of hours, or place in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, being careful not to brown the bread.
- Step 2: In a large rimmed baking sheet, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Arrange the bread slices over the brown sugar mixture in the pan.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Step 5: Gently pour half of the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all slices are soaked. Flip the bread and pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 7: In the morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Step 9: Bake the French toast for 30 minutes, watching carefully to ensure it does not brown.
- Step 10: Serve warm with maple syrup and whipped cream if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to help it absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the milk with cream or add a splash of orange zest to the egg mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier top, remove the plastic wrap during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven for best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this French toast without nuts?
Yes, you can simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans if you prefer or have nut allergies. The dish will still be delicious.
Can I use bread other than French bread?
Absolutely. Thick slices of brioche, challah, or even sourdough work well. Just ensure the bread is slightly dried out to soak up the custard properly.
PrintEasy Overnight French Toast Recipe
This Easy Overnight French Toast recipe is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup soaked into thick slices of French bread. Soaked overnight and baked to a golden perfection, it offers a comforting, custardy texture with a delightful crunch from chopped walnuts. Serve it warm with whipped cream and extra maple syrup for a delicious morning treat ideal for weekends or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including drying bread)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (including overnight soak)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread and Topping
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1″ thick
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Custard Mixture
- 12 eggs (beaten)
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or ½ teaspoon maple extract)
For Serving (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces and let them dry out on the counter for a couple of hours or place them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes carefully to avoid browning. This helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 17.5″ x 12.5″), mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Arrange Bread in Pan: Place the dried bread slices evenly over the brown sugar mixture in a single layer, ensuring they are well positioned to absorb flavors.
- Make Custard Mixture: Whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Gently pour half of the custard mixture over the arranged bread, making sure each slice is well soaked. Flip the bread slices carefully and pour the remaining custard over the top.
- Add Toppings and Refrigerate: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Bring to Room Temperature: The next morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes to take the chill off, which helps baking evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure the French toast does not brown too much. The custard should be set and the top slightly firm.
- Serve: Serve warm with additional maple syrup and whipped cream, if desired, for a delectable breakfast experience.
Notes
- Drying the bread beforehand is essential for preventing sogginess and helps it soak up the custard evenly.
- If preferred, pecans can be used instead of walnuts for the topping.
- Using maple extract instead of syrup works well if you want to control the liquid content in the custard.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before making it perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning, which can dry out the custard.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture.
Keywords: overnight French toast, easy French toast, baked French toast, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon French toast, maple syrup French toast
