Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

If you love cozy breakfast treats that feel like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that fills your kitchen with the sweet smell of cinnamon and maple, ready when you wake up—no rushing, no fussing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this on your weekend brunch menu every time.

What’s special about this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe is how it layers flavors and textures perfectly. The brioche bread soaks up a rich custard overnight, while toasted pecans add an irresistible crunch, and the whipped cream topping—with just the right touch of cinnamon and maple syrup—takes it to a whole new level. I love making it for family gatherings or lazy Sunday mornings because it’s easy to prep and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in delivering the ultimate comfort breakfast. From the soft, buttery brioche to the warm spices, everything works harmoniously. When picking pecans, look for fresh, firm nuts to get that perfect crunch.

• Brioche bread: I prefer slightly stale or day-old bread because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
• Toasted pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty flavor; toast them lightly yourself for freshness.
• Eggs: The base for your custard, providing richness and structure.
• Milk (2%): Balances richness without being too heavy.
• Maple syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best flavor in both the custard and whipped cream.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard.
• Almond extract: Just a touch gives a lovely nutty aroma that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the casserole and creates a caramelized finish.
• Cinnamon: A key spice for that classic French toast taste.
• Nutmeg: Enhances the spice profile with a gentle earthiness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out flavors.
• Whipping cream (33%): For the fluffy, luscious Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream topping.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without graininess.

Variations

I love how versatile this overnight French toast casserole is — I often tweak it to suit the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Personalizing is half the fun, and it’s a great way to make it your own.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve swapped brioche for gluten-free bread before with great results — just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up liquids without getting mushy.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Adding fresh or frozen berries in the layers adds a pop of color and tartness that I absolutely adore.
• Vegan Version: Try a plant-based milk and a flax or chia seed “egg” replacement; you might need to experiment on ratios, but it’s worth it!
• Spice Variations: Sometimes I add cardamom or ginger to the custard for a sparkling twist on flavor.
• Nut-Free: Leave out the pecans and sprinkle with toasted coconut or seeds instead if you’re avoiding nuts.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Pecans

Start by cubing your brioche bread into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly. Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up the custard without disintegrating. Toast your pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking frequently until you see them fragrant and slightly darker. Set aside to cool; this step really boosts the nuttiness in your casserole.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the sugar dissolves well, and the mixture is smooth and uniform—that’s your custard magic! This blend will soak into the bread overnight to create that custardy, soft center.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Toss the bread cubes and toasted pecans together, then spread them evenly in the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb all the liquid. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover it, and bake for about 45-55 minutes until the top is golden and firm but still custardy inside. You want it bubbly around the edges but not dry—keep an eye on it towards the end. If it browns too fast, tent with foil.

Step 5: Make the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream

While the casserole is baking, whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium speed. Slowly add maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar (start with 3 tbsp, add more if you like it sweeter), and cinnamon. Whip until soft peaks form—it should be fluffy, light, and packed with that comforting maple-cinnamon flavor. Trust me, this topping will elevate your casserole to next-level deliciousness.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I usually add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a few toasted pecans on top, and if I’m feeling fancy, a handful of fresh berries. The colors and textures make the dish even more inviting, plus the tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is quite rich, I love pairing it with lighter sides like mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or fresh fruit salad. A cup of strong coffee or a spicy chai latte makes for the perfect companion drink!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special breakfasts, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute, personal touch. Ribboning the whipped cream with a drizzle of warmed maple syrup adds flair and extra sweetness. You can even top with edible flowers for a festive wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, the custardy texture stays surprisingly moist if you cover loosely with foil to trap steam.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this casserole before with good results. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to warm evenly without drying out. If in a hurry, pop it covered in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but keep the whipped cream separate until serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast rotation for good reason. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious yet comforting, effortlessly festive but simple to make. I hope you give it a try for your next cozy brunch or holiday gathering—you’re going to love waking up to this sweet, spiced delight waiting for you in the oven!

Print