Overnight French Toast With Cinnamon and Vanilla
There’s something wonderfully cozy about waking up to the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and warm baked bread. This Overnight French Toast is rich, custardy, and layered with sweet flavors that soak in while you sleep.
It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends when you want something indulgent but easy.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast?
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the night before, then just bake in the morning.
- Soft and Custardy: Thick bread soaks in a rich egg mixture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for a Crowd: One dish feeds a group with minimal morning effort.
- Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or toppings to suit your taste.
- Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers for a quick, delicious reheat.
Ingredients For Overnight French Toast
This simple list of pantry and fridge staples comes together to create a rich, flavorful baked French toast.
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 12–14 slices, preferably day-old)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the dish and drizzling)
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, berries, chopped nuts
Step By Step Instruction To Make Overnight French Toast
This overnight bake requires only 10 minutes of prep time before it rests in the fridge and bakes fresh in the morning.
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice and arrange the bread
Cut the bread into thick slices, about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Layer them in the dish slightly overlapping or arrange flat in rows, depending on the style you prefer.
Step 3: Make the custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour over the bread
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure every piece is moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
Step 5: Cover and refrigerate overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to absorb.
Step 6: Bake in the morning
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and drizzle with a bit more melted butter if desired. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden on top and the custard is set.
Step 7: Rest and serve
Let the French toast rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite toppings.
PRO TIP: For a crispier top, bake uncovered the entire time. For a softer texture, cover loosely with foil for the first 25 minutes, then uncover for the final 15–20.
FAQs About Overnight French Toast
Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but for best results, refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight soaking allows the custard to fully absorb into the bread for a soft, creamy texture.
What kind of bread works best?
Brioche and challah are ideal due to their rich texture and slight sweetness. French bread or Texas toast are good alternatives, but avoid thin or very soft sandwich bread.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute plant-based milk and cream (such as oat milk and coconut cream), and use a dairy-free butter alternative for greasing.
How long does it keep?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Can I freeze overnight French toast?
Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices directly from frozen in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Variations or Serving Suggestions
This baked French toast is endlessly customizable. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Berry Bliss: Layer fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries between the bread slices.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add sautéed apples and a pinch more cinnamon for an autumn twist.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for extra crunch.
- Caramel Banana: Add sliced bananas and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Stuffed Version: Spread cream cheese or Nutella between slices before soaking in the custard.
Serve it with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fruit salad for a full breakfast or brunch spread.
Nutrition + Summary
Here is an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (1 of 8):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 185 mg |
| Sodium | 270 mg |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Overnight French toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast—rich, indulgent, and simple to prepare. With endless variations and a warm, custardy texture, it’s a beloved classic for holiday mornings or cozy weekends alike.
Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.