This overnight French toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or feeding a crowd. French bread slices soak up a sweet, vanilla-infused custard mixture while chilling in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Baked alongside a luscious layer of fresh strawberries, bananas, and apple pie spice, the result is a golden, tender casserole that balances sweet fruit with soft, spiced bread. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and tastes like a warm hug in every bite. Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or fresh berries for a truly special start to your day.
Overnight French Toast
Description
This overnight French toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings or feeding a crowd. French bread slices soak up a sweet, vanilla-infused custard mixture while chilling in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Baked alongside a luscious layer of fresh strawberries, bananas, and apple pie spice, the result is a golden, tender casserole that balances sweet fruit with soft, spiced bread. It&# 226;ÂÂs comforting, easy to prepare, and tastes like a warm hug in every bite. Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or fresh berries for a truly special start to your day.Ingredients
Directions
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Cut the French bread into thick slices and place them in a large flat baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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The next morning, preheat the oven to 450ðF (230ðC).
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In a separate bowl, combine the frozen strawberries, sliced bananas, sugar, and apple pie spice.
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Spread the fruit mixture evenly into the bottom of a large greased baking dish.
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Transfer the soaked bread slices on top of the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
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Sprinkle the top of the bread generously with cinnamon sugar.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the custard is set.
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To serve, lift out bread slices and place on plates. Spoon the warm fruit mixture on top and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 301.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.6g6%
- Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 557.3mg24%
- Total Carbohydrate 55.6g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3.1g13%
- Sugars 5.7g
- Protein 10.2g21%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, use day-old bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
You can substitute fresh strawberries for frozen if available; if using fresh, toss them with the sugar and spices for 15 minutes before assembling to release juices.
Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent the fruit from sticking during baking.
If you prefer a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
