Overnight Orange French Toast Recipe
Perfect for a leisurely brunch, this Overnight Orange French Toast is a delicious twist on the classic, combining citrusy zest with the rich flavors of maple syrup and marmalade. Simply prep it the night before, and enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast the next morning. Ideal for busy mornings or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Orange zest | 3 tsp |
Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp |
Vanilla extract | 1/4 tsp |
Triple sec | 1/2 tbsp |
Large eggs | 2 |
Half-and-half cream | 6 tbsp |
Unsalted butter (for the bread) | 1/2 tbsp |
Unsalted butter (for the sauce) | 8 tbsp |
Orange marmalade | 3 tbsp |
Triple sec (for sauce) | 3 tbsp |
Pure maple syrup (for serving) | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 663.4 kcal |
Total Fat | 33.3 g |
Saturated Fat | 16.7 g |
Cholesterol | 415 mg |
Sodium | 640.7 mg |
Carbohydrates | 73.3 g |
Fiber | 2.6 g |
Sugars | 31 g |
Protein | 19.1 g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Custard Mixture:
Begin by whisking together the freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, sugar, vanilla extract, triple sec, eggs, half-and-half, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will serve as the custard base for your French toast. Whisk until fully blended, ensuring there are no lumps. -
Assemble the French Toast:
Arrange your slices of bread in a single layer in a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Use a sturdy, thick bread for the best texture—brioche or challah are great choices. Once the bread is arranged, pour the custard mixture over it, making sure each slice is evenly soaked. Gently turn the slices to coat both sides. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors and soak up the custard. -
Bake the French Toast:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a large baking pan generously to prevent sticking. Using a slotted spatula, transfer the soaked bread slices from the baking dish to the prepared pan, making sure to leave at least two inches of space between each slice to allow for even cooking. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 5 minutes. -
Rotate and Continue Baking:
After the initial 5 minutes, carefully rotate the pan to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. Then, rotate the pan again and bake for about 5 minutes more, or until the French toast is puffed, golden, and crispy on the edges. -
Make the Orange Sauce:
While the French toast bakes, make the sweet orange sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, orange marmalade, and triple sec. Stir constantly until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. The marmalade will add a rich, tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the orange zest in the French toast. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the French toast is perfectly golden and puffed, drizzle it generously with the warm orange sauce. For extra indulgence, serve with a drizzle of pure maple syrup on top. Enjoy this decadent, citrusy twist on a breakfast favorite with a side of fresh fruit or crispy bacon for the ultimate brunch experience!
Recipe Notes:
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Bread Selection: The key to this recipe is the bread. Use a thick, sturdy bread such as challah, brioche, or even a thick-cut French bread. The bread will hold up better in the custard mixture and give you that beautiful fluffy texture when baked.
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Make Ahead: This Overnight Orange French Toast is perfect for preparing the night before. Simply whisk up the custard, assemble the bread in the baking dish, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, pop it in the oven, and you’re ready to enjoy!
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with crispy bacon, sausage, or a side of fresh berries for a complete breakfast. If you’re entertaining guests, serve with a mimosa or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Serving Size:
This recipe serves 4, but feel free to adjust the quantities as needed depending on the number of guests or family members you’re serving.
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