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Overnight Cinnamon Brown Sugar French Toast Casserole with Berry Crumble Topping Recipe

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4.4 from 35 reviews

This classic baked French Toast casserole features day-old bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar, topped with a buttery crumble and berries. It’s perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

French Toast Base

  • 1 loaf day-old French bread, cubed (about 10 cups) (sourdough or challah work great too)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 7 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch kosher salt

Crumble Topping

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

Topping

  • 1 cup berries (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole dish: Butter or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Assemble the bread base: Evenly layer the cubed bread in the casserole dish, creating two layers totaling about 10 cups of bread cubes.
  3. Make custard mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Soak bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  5. Prepare the crumble topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix cold cubed butter with flour and brown sugar using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and chill until ready to use.
  6. Preheat the oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Add crumble and berries: Remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the chilled crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread, then disperse the berries evenly on top.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and cooked through (no longer jiggly).
  9. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, either plain or with syrup, whipped cream, or additional fruit as desired.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread is crucial as it absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
  • You can substitute whole milk with 2% or even a non-dairy milk, but whole milk gives the best richness.
  • Chilling the soaked bread overnight improves flavor and texture.
  • Frozen berries work well but thaw slightly before adding if desired to avoid excess moisture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/overnight-cinnamon-brown-sugar-french-toast-casserole-with-berry-crumble-topping-recipe/