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Overnight French Toast

A delightful make-ahead breakfast featuring rich flavors and a crunchy topping, perfect for brunch and holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 loaf 1 (1 lb.) loaf raisin challah or regular challah, sliced 1 inch thick
  • 8 large 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Topping Ingredients
  • 1 cup 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 cup 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
  • Fresh fruit and maple syrup For garnishing and serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Ensure the sliced bread can air dry for at least 2 hours or, ideally, up to 8 hours.
  2. Coat the interior of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. Arrange the bread slices in overlapping rows in the baking dish.
Custard Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar until combined.
  2. Whisk in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and nutmeg.
  3. Evenly spoon the egg mixture over the arranged slices of bread.
Chill
  1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for a maximum of 12 hours.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a medium bowl, mash together the softened butter, light brown sugar, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt until a thick paste forms.
  3. After preheating, remove the foil and dollop the butter mixture over the soaked bread slices, then bake for about 30 to 40 minutes.
  4. Bake until puffed up and golden brown.
Serving
  1. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh fruit and drizzle generously with maple syrup.

Notes

Use stale or day-old bread for better absorption. You can experiment with different toppings and spices for unique flavors.