Easy Cinnamon Overnight French Toast Bake Recipe for Perfect Breakfast
A cozy and simple overnight French toast bake with cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for busy mornings or relaxed brunches. This recipe uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep the night before for a warm, comforting breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight soak plus 50 minutes baking
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, whole wheat, or French bread)
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing the pan)
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) or fresh berries for topping
Instructions
- Cube about 8 cups (approximately 6-7 slices) of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them air dry a bit if fresh.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all cubes are soaked. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best custard absorption; fresh bread should be lightly toasted or dried out to avoid mushiness. Cover and refrigerate overnight for a creamy texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Variations include gluten-free bread, vegan substitutions, and adding nuts or fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the bake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: French toast bake, overnight French toast, cinnamon breakfast, easy brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon overnight bake