Overnight French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining rich custard-soaked bread with a golden, caramelized crust. The magic happens as the bread soaks overnight, absorbing a luscious blend of eggs, cream, and warm spices for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just 20 minutes of prep, you can wake up to a decadent dish that bakes to perfection in under an hour. Each bite offers a heavenly contrast of crispy edges and a soft, custardy center, infused with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It’s a hassle-free way to impress your family or guests with a breakfast that feels like dessert.
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings, letting you savor the aroma of freshly baked French toast without the rush. The overnight soak ensures every slice is infused with flavor, while the baking process creates a beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior. Whether topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat. The combination of creamy, fluffy, and crunchy textures makes it irresistible, and the minimal effort required is a bonus. Treat yourself to a breakfast that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable.
Ingredients for Overnight French Toast
- 4 tablespoons (2oz/57g) butter, softened (plus extra for greasing the dish)
- 10 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (stale bread works best for soaking)
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup (2oz/57g) sugar
- 2 ½ cups (20floz/565ml) whole milk (can substitute with half-and-half for extra richness)
- ½ cup (4floz/115ml) heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large orange (optional, but adds a bright flavor)
- Berries on top (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Butter a 9×13 inch (22×33 cm) baking dish generously.
- Prepare the bread: Butter one side of each bread slice, then cut into large cubes (crust included). Arrange the cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight (at least 10 hours).
- Preheat the oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. If the top begins to overbrown before the center is cooked, tent it loosely with foil.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries or fruit on top.
- Store leftovers: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes before serving.
Delicious Toppings and Sauces to Elevate Your French Toast
While maple syrup and fresh berries are classic choices, why not get creative with your toppings? Try a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence. For a savory twist, pair your French toast with crispy bacon or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for a Complete Breakfast
Turn this dish into a full breakfast feast by serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or a side of scrambled eggs. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice complements the sweet and custardy flavors of the French toast perfectly.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
To make your morning even easier, prepare the egg mixture the night before and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. In the morning, simply pour it over the bread and pop it in the oven. You can also cut the bread and butter it the night before, saving you precious time in the morning.
Recipe Variations to Keep It Exciting
Switch things up by using different types of bread like sourdough or whole grain. You can also add a handful of chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts to the bread cubes before baking. For a tropical twist, replace the orange zest with lime zest and add a splash of coconut milk to the egg mixture.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Pro tip: For a quick reheating method, use a toaster oven to crisp up the edges while keeping the center soft and custardy.
Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened 2oz/57g
- 10 slices thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar 2oz/57g
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk 20floz/565ml
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 4floz/115ml
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Berries on top (optional)
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13 inch (22×33 cm) baking dish.
- Butter one side of your bread. Cut into large cubes, crust and all. Add to your baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt and orange zest.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and press down gently on the bread to absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until puffed, golden and set in the center. If the top begins to overbrown before the center is cooked, tent with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit or berries.
- Store any leftovers for up to two days in the refrigerator. Rewarm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes before serving.
