Can you prepare French toast the night before?

Yes! That's the beauty of an overnight French toast bake. Soaking the bread overnight allows it to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish.

How long can French toast batter sit overnight?

The French toast batter (custard) is designed to sit overnight when combined with the bread. It can safely sit for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.

What is the best bread to use for overnight French toast bake?

Challah, brioche, or French bread are excellent choices because they are sturdy and absorb the custard well without becoming soggy.

Can you freeze overnight French toast bake?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If freezing after, allow it to cool completely first. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

How do you keep French toast from being soggy?

Use a sturdy bread, ensure the bread is slightly stale to better absorb the custard, and don't over-soak it. Also, bake at the correct temperature to allow the custard to set properly.

How long does overnight French toast bake last in the fridge?

Baked overnight French toast will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Make Ahead Overnight French Toast Bake: Your Secret to a Stress-Free Brunch 2026

Make Ahead Overnight French Toast Bake

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This easy casserole assembles the night before for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast. Stale bread soaks in a rich cinnamon custard overnight, then bakes into a warm, golden, and comforting dish perfect for weekends or holiday brunch.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 50min
Total Time: 9h 5min
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: breakfast
Method: baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (16 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, 2 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down with a spatula to submerge all pieces.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the cold streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use slightly stale bread. The overnight rest is crucial for proper absorption. The bake can be assembled and refrigerated up to 12 hours ahead. Leftovers reheat well.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 380
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 320
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 1
Protein: 10
Cholesterol: 155

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/make-ahead-overnight-french-toast-bake/