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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Maple Praline Topping

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A simple, comforting French toast casserole that you prepare the night before, topped with a crunchy maple praline topping. Perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts or brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) or almond milk for dairy-free version
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml), optional but recommended
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (about 60 grams)
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans (about 60 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry slightly. Allow to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Add bread cubes to custard mixture and gently fold to coat. Let sit for about 10 minutes to start absorbing liquid.
  4. Pour soaked bread and custard into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly and pressing down gently.
  5. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, toasted pecans, and maple syrup. Stir until sticky and well combined.
  6. Sprinkle maple praline topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  7. Cover casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden and custard is set.
  9. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess. Toast pecans for richer flavor. Cover casserole during initial baking to trap steam, then uncover to crisp topping. Leftovers reheat best in oven to preserve texture. Can soak bread for minimum 2 hours if short on time but overnight is best.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, overnight French toast, maple praline topping, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole

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