My mom’s Overnight French toast casserole is a warm, comforting dish that elevates any morning. It combines the familiar richness of French toast with a cinnamon-sweet layer of baked apples and cranberries beneath a fluffy custard-soaked bread topping.
This French toast casserole balances buttery brown sugar and warm cinnamon with tart apples and chewy cranberries. The fruit layer bakes into a syrupy base while the bread above becomes tender and custardy—so rich it can pass for dessert at brunch.
It’s ideal for holidays and large family breakfasts, but simple enough for a weekend treat. The recipe is easy to assemble; just plan ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight so the bread soaks up the egg mixture.
I first tasted this at a Thanksgiving morning with family, where my mother-in-law served it. She shared the recipe with me; it’s straightforward and reliably delicious when prepared the night before.
Table of Contents
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Should I use fresh or day old bread?
- How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Mom’s Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- French bread – This recipe works well with French bread, but challah, sourdough, or cinnamon swirl bread are excellent alternatives.
- Apples – Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, McIntosh, or Pink Lady for the best texture and flavor.
- Eggs – Provide richness, structure, and moisture to the custard that soaks the bread.
- Dried cranberries – Add tart sweetness and chew. If you prefer, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes to plump them before adding.
- Brown sugar – Gives a caramel-like depth and helps create the syrupy fruit base.
- Cinnamon – Brings warm, aromatic spice to both layers of the casserole.
- Milk – Whole or reduced-fat milk works; swap a dairy-free milk for a lactose-free version if needed.
- Vanilla – Enhances the overall sweetness and complements the cinnamon and brown sugar.
Tip From Kevin
Should I use fresh or day old bread?
Use slightly stale bread when possible; drier bread soaks up the custard better. Leave bread out overnight or dry slices in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes before assembling.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
- Mix butter and spices. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Add the fruit. Core, peel, and slice apples into 1/4-inch slices. Toss them with the brown sugar mixture and dried cranberries.
- Transfer to pan. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom. Scatter the cubed bread over the fruit.
- Make the egg mixture. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Pour evenly over the bread, pressing gently so the custard soaks throughout.
- Cover and chill. Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Prepare to bake. Remove the pan from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the casserole. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–8 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check that you baked it long enough and that your oven temperature is accurate. Avoid adding too much egg mixture—measure carefully so the bread doesn’t become oversaturated. Also allow at least 8 hours for the bread to soak evenly; this helps the casserole set properly during baking.
Enjoy a slice on its own or pair it with eggs, breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham for a fuller brunch. Fresh fruit, yogurt, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream also make great accompaniments.
Yes. Assemble at least 8 hours in advance; you can prepare it up to 24 hours before baking. After baking, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 2–3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes, until heated through.
Mom’s Overnight French Toast Casserole
Print Recipe
Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon divided
- 3 Granny Smith apples or other tart apple
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 8 cups french bread cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
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Core, peel, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch slices. Toss them in the brown sugar mixture along with the cranberries.
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Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the apples with the bread cubes.
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Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Pour evenly over the bread, cover with foil, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight to soak.
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Remove from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–8 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To plump dried cranberries, soak them in enough warm water to cover for about 5 minutes, then drain before adding to the fruit mixture.
Nutrition
The nutrition information is an estimate from an online calculator and not a substitute for professional advice.
