Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring tender brioche bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, maple syrup, and warm spices. Topped with toasted pecans and baked to golden perfection, it is served with a luscious Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream that adds a creamy, sweet, and spiced finish. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, this casserole is both comforting and elegant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the bread and pecans: Cut the brioche bread into small cubes and toast the pecans roughly. This forms the base and crunchy topping of the casserole.
- Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2% milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined. This mixture will soak into the bread.
- Assemble the casserole: Place the cubed brioche bread in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and nuts, pressing down gently to ensure the bread is fully soaked.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the casserole: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Prepare the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream: While the casserole bakes, beat the whipping cream with maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon until soft peaks form. Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more confectioners’ sugar if desired.
- Serve: Slice the casserole into portions and serve warm with a generous dollop of maple cinnamon whipped cream on top.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche bread that is slightly stale (1-2 days old) as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture, but avoid microwaving to preserve crispness.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, baked French toast, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe, brioche casserole, maple cinnamon whipped cream