Overnight Fruity French Toast
Total Time: 35 minutes (includes 20 minutes of cooking time and 15 minutes of prep time)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Description
As an early riser, I love nothing more than waking up to the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. This Overnight Fruity French Toast is one of those breakfast treats that fills the house with comforting aromas. My family has their own preferences for toppings—my son and boyfriend love it with blueberries, while my daughter and I enjoy it with cherries. But the combinations are endless, and I’m already thinking about trying a peach and blueberry version, or perhaps a strawberry variation next time! Just keep in mind that the prep time listed here doesn’t include the overnight chilling, which helps develop the flavors. This is perfect for a sweet, indulgent breakfast or brunch, and it can easily be made the night before to save time in the morning.
Recipe Category
- Breakfast
- Sweet
- Brunch
Keywords
Breakfast, Sweet, Brunch, < 60 Mins, Oven, Refrigerator
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 8 |
| Half-and-half | 4 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Sugar | 4 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter, melted | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1682 kcal |
| Total Fat | 63.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 30.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 951.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1966.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 227.1 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 102.8 g |
| Protein | 49 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread: Start by slicing your bread diagonally into ¾-inch thick slices. This will help the custard mixture soak in evenly. Arrange the bread slices in a 10×15-inch pan.
-
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, and baking powder until well combined. This custard mixture is the key to making your French toast rich and creamy.
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Soak the Bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring that all of the bread is evenly coated. You may need to turn the bread to make sure both sides are soaked. Once coated, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a soft, custardy texture when baked.
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Prepare the Fruit Topping: The next morning, prepare the fruit topping by tossing your choice of fresh fruit with sugar and ground cinnamon. You can use a variety of fruits—blueberries, cherries, peaches, or strawberries all work wonderfully. Once combined, place the fruit mixture in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
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Assemble the Dish: After the bread has chilled overnight, carefully place the soaked bread slices on top of the prepared fruit. You may need to wedge the bread slices together to ensure an even layer.
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Brush with Butter: For an extra touch of richness, brush the top of the bread with melted butter. This will help it crisp up nicely in the oven.
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Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
-
Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and, if desired, sift powdered sugar over the top for an added touch of sweetness. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and makes for an easier time cutting and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Fruit Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations. A mix of peaches and blueberries is delightful, or you could try strawberries for a lighter, fresher version.
- Bread Options: For extra flavor, try using a thick, hearty bread like challah, brioche, or sourdough. These will add depth to the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Make Ahead: The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to be made ahead of time. Prep it the night before, and simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen! Just cut the French toast into individual portions, wrap tightly, and freeze. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Fruity French Toast pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or sausages for a complete breakfast. For an added touch, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Whether you make it for a special brunch or as an easy family breakfast, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Yield: 1 13×9-inch pan (serves approximately 8-10 people depending on portion size)
Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! The perfect combination of crispy and soft, with the fruit bursting with flavor. I made it with cherries, and it was amazing!” – One Happy Customer
This indulgent breakfast is the perfect way to treat your family or guests to something sweet and comforting. The beauty of the overnight prep is that you can enjoy a warm, satisfying dish in just 20 minutes of baking time, making it a great choice for busy mornings or special brunch occasions. Enjoy!
