Overnight French Toast Casserole (Easy Make-Ahead Recipe)

This overnight French toast casserole is soft, creamy, and packed with flavor. A make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch, holidays, or feeding a crowd.

Overnight French Toast Casserole

If you’re looking for an easy brunch recipe that requires almost no effort in the morning, this overnight French toast casserole is exactly what you need.

Everything is prepared the night before, allowing the bread to soak up a rich custard mixture. The next morning, all you have to do is bake and serve.

This makes it perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or anytime you want a stress-free breakfast that still feels special.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast Casserole

• Make-ahead convenience
• Perfect for feeding a crowd
• Soft, creamy, and flavorful
• Great for holidays and brunch
• Minimal effort in the morning

Why Overnight Soaking Makes This French Toast Casserole Better

Letting the casserole rest overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, creating a soft, rich, and evenly baked texture.

• The bread becomes soft without being soggy
• Flavors develop more deeply overnight
• The texture becomes more custardy and cohesive
• No rushed prep in the morning

Best Bread to Use

• Challah
• Brioche
• Day-old bread works best

Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the custard better and prevents the casserole from becoming too wet.

How to Know It’s Done

• The top should be golden brown
• The center should be set, not liquid
• A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean
• The edges will puff slightly

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole

• Do not skip the overnight rest
• Use thick, sturdy bread
• Do not overbake, or it will dry out
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving

Variations

• Add cream cheese filling for richness
• Use berries, bananas, or apples
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth
• Drizzle with maple syrup before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be made the night before.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, bake first, then freeze portions for later.

Can I bake it right away?

You can, but the texture will not be as rich and custardy.

I hope you can try this delicious overnight French toast casserole at home. If you do, tag @Livingsweetmoments or use #LivingSweet.

Print Recipe

4.12 from 9 votes

Stuffed Overnight French Toast Casserole

Overnight French toast casserole is a rich and creamy make-ahead breakfast with soft bread, berries, and a sweet cream cheese filling

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 -10 servings

Calories: 419kcal

Author: Tiffany Bendayan

Ingredients

For French Toast Casserole:

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread cut into cubes (day-old works best)
• 2 cups heavy cream or half and half
• 8 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup pecans
• Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

For Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
• 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup. Set aside.
• In another bowl, mix the cream cheese, nut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Place half of the bread cubes in the dish.
• Add dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the bread.
• Sprinkle berries and pecans evenly on top.
• Add the remaining bread cubes.
• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
• Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until golden and set.
• Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread for best texture
• Do not skip overnight soaking for a custardy result
• Can substitute nut butter with plain cream cheese for a classic version
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 213mg | Sodium: 259mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 843IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 1mg

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