Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook — where passion meets the plate. Cooking is my love language, and every recipe I share is tested, heartfelt, and designed to make your kitchen time meaningful. At Bikren Cook, we believe food isn’t just about taste — it’s about creating memories around the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, our recipes make every meal feel special.
There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home. That’s exactly what this French Toast Casserole brings to your morning routine – comfort, warmth, and a breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. I’ve perfected this recipe over countless Sunday brunches, and I’m thrilled to share it with you today!
Ingredients for the Perfect French Toast Casserole
Creating a memorable French Toast Casserole starts with gathering quality ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make breakfast the highlight of everyone’s day:
Bread Selection
- 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8-10 cups)
- Note: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming soggy
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Serving Essentials
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step French Toast Casserole Instructions
Preparation (Night Before)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure all pieces are evenly soaked.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Making the Streusel
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped pecans if using.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Baking Your French Toast Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole and streusel from the refrigerator.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out our Apple Pie Cupcakes for a sweet treat that works any time of day!
Pro Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
Preventing Soggy Results
- Use day-old bread that’s slightly dried out – fresh bread can become too mushy
- Don’t rush the soaking time – overnight is best for flavor development
- Ensure even distribution of the custard mixture throughout the bread
- Let the casserole come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking
Kitchen Tools That Help
- Glass baking dish (shows doneness better than metal)
- Whisk for creating a smooth custard mixture
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredients
- Instant-read thermometer (center should reach 160°F for food safety)
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until warmed through
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before reheating to refresh the flavor
Flavor Variations for Your French Toast Casserole
Fruit-Infused
- Add 2 cups of fresh or frozen berries between bread layers
- Mix in 1 cup of diced apples tossed with cinnamon
- Layer sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a bananas foster twist
Dairy-Free Friendly
- Substitute almond or oat milk for whole milk
- Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Replace butter in the streusel with coconut oil
Seasonal Inspirations
- Pumpkin: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the custard
- Eggnog: Replace 1 cup of milk with holiday eggnog during December
- Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright spring variation
For holiday dessert inspiration that matches the cozy feeling of this French Toast Casserole, don’t miss our White Chocolate Cranberry Tart!
Serving Suggestions for French Toast Casserole
A great French Toast Casserole deserves perfect accompaniments to create a memorable breakfast or brunch experience:
- Serve with a side of crispy turkey bacon for a sweet and savory balance
- Create a toppings bar with fresh berries, sliced bananas, and toasted nuts
- Offer different syrups: maple, berry, or cinnamon-infused
- Include a dollop of Greek yogurt or freshly whipped cream
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad tossed in honey and mint
For beverages, consider:
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Hot chocolate with cinnamon sticks
- Vanilla chai tea
- Sparkling water with berries and mint
Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Casserole
Can I Make French Toast Casserole Without Overnight Refrigeration?
Yes, though overnight soaking yields the best results, you can make a quicker version. Soak the bread for at least 2 hours, pressing it down occasionally to help absorption. The texture won’t be quite as custardy, but it will still be delicious.
How Do I Know When My French Toast Casserole Is Done?
Your French Toast Casserole is done when:
- The top is golden brown and slightly crisp
- The center reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer
- A knife inserted in the center comes out clean, not wet with custard
- The edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the dish
Can I Prep French Toast Casserole Further in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, keep the streusel topping separate until just before baking. You can also freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 1 month – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This French Toast Casserole has become a staple in my home, bringing smiles to sleepy faces and turning ordinary mornings into special occasions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility – make it your own with different mix-ins, toppings, or bread types.
What I love most is how it brings people together around the table. There’s something about a warm, cinnamon-scented breakfast that encourages lingering conversations and creates lasting memories.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones this weekend? Prep this casserole the night before, and wake up to a breakfast that feels like a celebration – no special occasion needed!
📌 Discover more delicious recipes on Bikren Cook’s Pinterest — your next favorite meal is waiting!