Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home, a warm and inviting scent that promises a delightful breakfast experience. With our Overnight Cinnamon French Toast, you can turn this dream into reality with minimal effort! This luscious dish, made with buttery brioche or challah, is soaked overnight in a rich custard that ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a brunch masterpiece that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, preferably brioche or challah
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish by generously greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the brioche or challah bread into thick slices, approximately 1-inch thick. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is thoroughly saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious custard mixture. This should be done for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to take the chill off.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Optional: Sprinkle additional ground cinnamon or create a streusel topping by mixing butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to spread over the top of the soaked bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream as desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best results, opt for brioche or challah bread, as their rich texture and flavor elevate the dish. Stale bread works even better, as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or maple.
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture overnight for optimal flavor and texture. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Room Temperature Matters: Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. This helps to prevent the custard from being too cold when it goes into the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on your French toast while it bakes. You want a golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center. If it browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your presentation by serving the French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a side of fresh berries and whipped cream. It not only looks beautiful but also enhances the flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 210mg
