This overnight Baked French Toast is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla and topped with a brown sugar crumb topping. Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning!
One15 ozloaf French breadcut into cubes (preferably a day or two old)
8large eggs
1cupwhole milk
1cuphalf and half
½cupbrown sugar
1 ½teaspoonsground cinnamon
1tablespoonpure vanilla extract
Topping:
⅔cupbrown sugar
⅔cupall purpose flour
1teaspoonground cinnamon
¼teaspoonsalt
6tablespoonsunsalted buttersoftened
Maple syrupfor serving
Instructions
Preparation (allow time to soak overnight):
Place the bread cubes in a greased casserole dish (an 8x11 will make a thicker casserole, a 9x13 will be a bit thinner).
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, half and half, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the bread cubes. Lightly press down on the top of the bread to allow the top layer of bread to absorb some of the custard mixture, or gently stir it to distribute the custard throughout the bread. Cover, and refrigerate overnight (if you want to bake the same day, allow it to soak for at least 3 hours).
Topping:
Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add butter, and using your fingers or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture resembles wet, clumpy sand. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to bake the French toast.
Baking:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the French toast from the refrigerator (the bread will have absorbed most of the custard). Crumble the topping over the top of the French toast. Bake uncovered for 40-55 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and set (check that the center is not too wet).
Note: Baking time will depend on how deep your casserole dish is and whether you prefer your french toast more well done. Serve immediately with maple syrup. Leftovers can be refrigerated.
Video
Notes
Serving: This French toast is best served right after baking. Allow to cool down just a bit, then serve it warm with maple syrup.Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.