Name: Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 9 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (400 grams) brioche bread, 1-2 days old, cut into small cubes; 3/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped; 6 eggs; 1¾ cup milk, 2%; 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; 1½ cups 33% whipping cream; 3 tbsp maple syrup; 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (start with 3 tbsp and add another 2 tbsp if you want it sweeter); 1 tsp cinnamon

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If you’re anything like me, mornings can get hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip a delicious breakfast. This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe is a game-changer—it lets you prep the night before and wake up to a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in food form. The combo of soft brioche soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and topped with a luscious maple cinnamon whipped cream? Pure magic.

I’ve made this casserole for weekend brunches and holiday mornings, and it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that bring friends and family around the table, sparking joy and conversation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, the Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe offers both convenience and that crave-worthy classic flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. When shopping, look for quality brioche and real maple syrup—it really makes a difference!

Brioche bread: I recommend using brioche that’s a day or two old; it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Toasted pecans: Adding toasted nuts brings a nice crunch and depth. Toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
Eggs: The backbone of any French toast custard, giving richness and structure.
Milk (2%): You want some creaminess here without it being too heavy.
Maple syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup—it adds that authentic sweetness and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Almond extract: This is a subtle twist I love. It adds a delicate nutty note without overpowering.
Brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and moisture to the custard.
Cinnamon: The star spice in this dish, tied together with the maple syrup for that cozy flavor profile.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to add warmth and complexity.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Whipping cream (33%): For the whipped cream topping—use fresh cream for the best texture.
Confectioners’ sugar: Powdered sugar blends seamlessly into the whipped cream, giving it smooth sweetness.

Variations

I love tinkering with this recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy how versatile this casserole can be.

Gluten-free: Swap the brioche for a sturdy gluten-free bread. I used a gluten-free challah once, and it soaked up the custard wonderfully.
Vegan version: Use a plant-based milk (like oat milk), vegan eggs, and coconut cream for the topping. It’s a bit different but still delicious.
Fruit additions: Fresh berries or sliced apples layered in before baking add bursts of freshness and texture.
Spice variations: Mix up the cinnamon and nutmeg with some cardamom or allspice for a festive twist.
Nut swap: If pecans aren’t your thing, chopped walnuts or almonds work just as well.

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

Step 1: Cube Your Brioche and Toast the Pecans

Start by cutting your brioche into small cubes—about 1-inch pieces work best to soak up the custard evenly. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned; this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Toasting intensifies their flavor and gives a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. I like to taste a tiny bit of the custard to check balance—this step is the flavor base, so don’t skip adjusting if needed!

Step 3: Combine and Soak Overnight

Spread half of the brioche cubes in a greased casserole dish, sprinkle with half the toasted pecans, then layer with the remaining cubes and pecans. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press with a spatula to make sure all pieces soak properly. Cover it tight with foil or a lid and pop it in the fridge overnight—this is the magic step for tender, custardy French toast.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

The next morning, bring the casserole out of the fridge while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center—that’s where it’s perfectly gooey.

Step 5: Make the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream

While the casserole is baking or just before serving, whip cold whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon, then keep whipping until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; you want it fluffy and light for dolloping.

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

A baked dessert in a white oval dish with two handles is shown on a white marbled surface. The dish contains a golden brown baked layer mixed with toasted pecans and chunks of bread, topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar that adds a delicate white contrast. There are visible oats and pecans scattered evenly across the top, giving texture, while the edges are slightly puffed and browned. Next to the dish, on the right side, is a clear glass bowl filled with a whipped cream topping that is light beige with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Below the dish, a cloth with floral and striped patterns is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of chopped toasted pecans for that lovely crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries brighten up the plate and cut through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

To make the meal even more special, pair this French toast casserole with crispy bacon or savory sausage. A fresh fruit salad or a simple orange juice also balances all the sweet, warm flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like to serve the casserole in cute individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—it feels festive and makes people feel extra special. You can also drizzle extra warmed maple syrup tableside for a lovely touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the whipped cream separately because it doesn’t hold up well overnight.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen portions of this casserole after baking by wrapping tightly in foil and placing in freezer bags. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats beautifully without losing texture.

Reheating

Warm leftover casserole slices in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through—this helps keep the top crisp without drying out. You can quickly whip fresh maple cinnamon whipped cream to serve alongside or substitute with a dollop of yogurt.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this French toast casserole?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal because of its rich, buttery texture, you can use challah, Texas toast, or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale—day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Can I prepare the maple cinnamon whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the whipped cream a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. However, for the freshest, fluffiest texture, whipping it just before serving is best.
Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?

Soaking overnight helps the bread absorb the custard fully, resulting in a tender and luscious casserole. If you’re short on time, you can soak it for a minimum of 2 hours, but overnight gives you the best texture.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream substitute for the topping. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly but still be delicious.
How do I get the best texture on top of the casserole?

Baking uncovered for the right amount of time allows the top to get golden and slightly crisp while keeping the inside custardy. If after baking the top isn’t browned enough, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress but also keep things simple and stress-free. If you make just one brunch recipe this year, I seriously recommend giving this a try. Trust me, you’ll love waking up to the smell of maple, cinnamon, and buttery brioche making your kitchen feel like a cozy café. Give it a go, and enjoy every single delicious bite!