Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy make-ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Cubes of day-old brioche soaked overnight in a rich custard mixture are topped with toasted pecans and baked to golden perfection. Served with fluffy maple cinnamon whipped cream, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and warm spice flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf (400 grams) brioche bread, 1-2 days old, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 6 eggs
- 1¾ cups 2% milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- 1½ cups 33% whipping cream
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (start with 3 tbsp and add up to 2 tbsp more if sweeter taste desired)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the bread and pecans: Cut the brioche loaf into small cubes and toast the pecans roughly chopped. Set both aside for assembling the casserole.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased baking dish, evenly layer the brioche cubes and toasted pecans. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and nuts, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the casserole: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.
- Prepare the maple cinnamon whipped cream: While the casserole bakes, whip the cold 33% whipping cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Add maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Adjust sweetness by adding more confectioners’ sugar if desired.
- Serve: Once the casserole is finished baking, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon generous amounts of maple cinnamon whipped cream over each serving and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Using brioche bread that is 1-2 days old helps absorb the custard better for a moist texture.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a nut-free option, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, overnight casserole, brioche French toast, maple whipped cream, brunch recipe