If you’re looking for a weekend brunch dish that will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen for hours, look no further than this Overnight French Toast recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla with the convenience of preparation ahead of time. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked French toast, with minimal effort required on your part. This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about creating a memorable experience around the breakfast table.
Why This Overnight French Toast Stands Out
This Overnight French Toast stands out for its unique blend of wholesome ingredients and its easy preparation. Using 100% whole wheat bread, this recipe ensures that you’re starting your day off right with nutritious grains. The overnight soaking process allows the bread to absorb the creamy custard mixture fully, resulting in a soft, custardy interior and a perfectly golden-brown crust when baked. Plus, the addition of maple syrup, citrus zest, and a hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, making it perfect for family gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings.
Ingredient List
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 16 slices 100% whole wheat bread (1 loaf)
- 1 (12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk (for a dairy-free option, swap for light coconut milk)
- 1 cup 2% milk or whole milk (for a dairy-free option, swap for full-fat coconut milk)
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 small lemon or ½ orange
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pure maple syrup, for serving
- Butter, for serving
- Fresh berries, for garnish
- Greek yogurt, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Peanut butter, for serving
- Whatever toppings you like!
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Baking dish (9×13 inches works perfectly)
- Mixing bowls (to whisk the custard ingredients)
- Whisk (for combining eggs and liquids smoothly)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient measurements)
- Plastic wrap (to cover the baking dish while refrigerating)
- Oven (to bake the French toast to perfection)
Overnight French Toast: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by cutting your 100% whole wheat bread into thick slices, about 1 inch each. If your bread is a day or two old, that’s even better! Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, evaporated milk, 2% milk, granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon or orange zest, and kosher salt. Whisk until everything is well combined and the eggs are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that each slice is well soaked. Then, layer the remaining bread slices on top and pour over the remaining custard mixture. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak in the custard, ensuring a deliciously custardy texture.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the top of the soaked bread. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the Overnight French Toast cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with pure maple syrup, a pat of butter, fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The options are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Fit It to Your Goals
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Swap the milk for almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Incorporate protein by adding a scoop of protein powder into the custard mixture.
- Add in your favorite fruits like bananas or apples for extra flavor and nutrition.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
This Overnight French Toast can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as challah or brioche, for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a nutty crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the custard mixture or as a topping. Remember, the longer you let the bread soak, the more custardy your French toast will be, so don’t rush the overnight process!
Make Ahead Like a Pro
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the dish the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. It also reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make extra for leftovers during the week. Store any uneaten French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and enjoy a delicious breakfast in minutes!
Questions People Ask
Can I use gluten-free bread for this Overnight French Toast?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Just ensure that it’s a sturdy variety so it holds up during the soaking process.
How long can I keep the soaked bread in the fridge before baking?
It’s best to bake the Overnight French Toast within 24 hours of soaking. If you need to soak it longer, consider reducing the custard soaking time to avoid overly soggy bread.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the baked French toast. Allow it to cool completely, then slice and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or microwave.
What toppings should I serve with Overnight French Toast?
The options are limitless! You can serve it with pure maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a drizzle of nut butter. Get creative and use your favorite toppings!
What to Make After This
Final Bite
This Overnight French Toast is not just a dish; it’s an experience. With its deliciously rich custard and the ease of overnight preparation, it’s a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or indulging in a quiet morning alone, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy. So gather your ingredients, prepare this delightful dish, and savor every bite of your perfectly baked Overnight French Toast. Happy cooking!
Overnight French Toast
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
- 16 slices 100% whole wheat bread (1 loaf)
- 1 can (12-ounce) fat-free evaporated milk (for a dairy-free option, swap for light coconut milk)
- 1 cup 2% milk or whole milk (for a dairy-free option, swap for full-fat coconut milk)
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 small lemon or orange zest of
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pure maple syrup for serving
- Butter for serving
- Fresh berries for garnish
- Greek yogurt for serving
- Powdered sugar for garnish
- Peanut butter for serving
- Whatever toppings you like!
Instructions
- Begin by cutting your 100% whole wheat bread into thick slices, about 1 inch each. If your bread is a day or two old, that’s even better!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, evaporated milk, 2% milk, granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon or orange zest, and kosher salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Arrange half of the bread slices in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is well soaked.
- Layer the remaining bread slices on top and pour over the remaining custard mixture. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon over the top of the soaked bread. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once baked, let the Overnight French Toast cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with pure maple syrup, a pat of butter, fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic Wrap
- Oven
Notes
- For a lower sugar option, reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Swap the milk for almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Add your favorite fruits like bananas or apples for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of bread for varied flavors.
- This dish reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep!
