Introduction

This Easy Overnight French Toast is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that’s both comforting and delicious. With its rich custard base and a touch of cinnamon, it bakes up soft and flavorful, ideal for busy mornings or special occasions.

Easy Overnight French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

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. Alternatively, you can place the slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, taking care 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 in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture in the pan.
Step 4: In a large 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, ensuring all slices are soaked. Flip the bread slices carefully, then pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 7: The next 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 about 30 minutes, taking care to prevent it from browning too much. It should be set and custardy when done.

Tips & Variations

Drying the bread slightly helps it soak up the custard better without becoming too soggy.
For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and try adding fresh berries before baking.
Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave for a different sweetness.
If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the French toast for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Storage

Store leftover French toast covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different bread than French bread?

Yes, any sturdy bread like brioche or challah works well for overnight French toast. Avoid very soft, thin breads as they may become too mushy.

Can I prepare this recipe without nuts?

Absolutely. Nuts add texture and flavor but are optional. You can leave them out or substitute with seeds or dried fruit if you prefer.

Easy Overnight French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 114 reviews

This Easy Overnight French Toast is a simple, make-ahead breakfast recipe perfect for busy mornings. Bread slices are soaked overnight in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, maple syrup, and cinnamon, then baked to a soft, custardy perfection with a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar base topped with walnuts. Serve with whipped cream or syrup for a comforting and delicious start to your day.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes + 2 hours bread drying + overnight soaking
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: Overnight (~10-12 hours) plus 45 minutes (including bread drying and baking)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

⅓ cup melted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (divided from 2 tsp total)

Bread

1 loaf French bread, sliced 1″ thick

Egg Mixture

12 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or ½ teaspoon maple extract)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (remaining from 2 tsp total)

Topping

⅓ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the bread: Slice a loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Lay the slices out on the counter for a couple of hours to dry, or place them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, taking care not to brown the bread.
Make the base layer: In a large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 17.5″ x 12.5″), combine melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix well and spread evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Arrange the bread: Place the dried bread slices over the butter and sugar mixture in a single layer.
Mix egg custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 12 beaten eggs, 1.5 cups milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or maple extract), and the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth.
Soak the bread: Gently pour half of the egg mixture over the bread, making sure each slice is well soaked. Flip the slices carefully and pour the remaining egg mixture over the top to fully saturate.
Add toppings and refrigerate: Sprinkle chopped walnuts evenly over the bread slices. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to infuse flavors and allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Morning preparations: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while the French toast rests.
Bake: Place the uncovered pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure the French toast cooks through and the brown sugar base bubbles without burning or browning too much.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Optionally, top with whipped cream and additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Drying the bread beforehand helps it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
Using a rimmed baking sheet prevents the custard from spilling over while baking.
Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for nut-free preferences.
For extra flavor, sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
Ensure the bread is properly soaked but handle gently to prevent pieces from breaking apart.
This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.

Keywords: overnight french toast, easy breakfast, make ahead brunch, cinnamon french toast, baked french toast, custard soaked bread