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Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

Avatar photoByEmily
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 106 reviews

If you’re like me and love waking up to something sweet, cozy, and totally make-ahead, then you’re going to adore this Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is seriously simple — perfect for a weekend brunch or when you want to impress without the stress. The combination of rich brioche soaked in a spiced custard, toasted pecans for crunch, and that heavenly maple cinnamon whipped cream will have your family begging for breakfast all over again.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Make-Ahead Wonder: Prep it the night before, so mornings are stress-free and delicious.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: Maple sweetness and warm cinnamon spice cozy up every bite.
  • Crunchy Meets Creamy: Toasted pecans add a delightful texture contrast you won’t get enough of.
  • Whipped Cream Upgrade: The maple cinnamon whipped cream makes this dish feel special and indulgent.
The dish is a baked dessert in a white oval ceramic dish with handles on both ends. It has a rough, golden brown top layer covered with chunks of baked pieces and scattered dark brown pecan halves and bits. The surface is dusted lightly with white powdered sugar, adding a soft contrast to the textured, uneven baked top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a round glass bowl filled with a light brown whipped topping sprinkled lightly with cinnamon, and a floral cloth napkin is partially visible beneath the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Breakfast casserole with brioche, Make-ahead brunch recipes, Cinnamon and maple breakfast ideas, Easy overnight French toast this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe really lies in its simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Choosing quality brioche makes all the difference — I like using day-old bread so it soaks up the custard perfectly without getting too soggy.

Flat lay of a small pile of golden brioche bread cubes, a handful of roughly chopped toasted pecans, six whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white bowl filled with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of light brown packed brown sugar, a small white bowl containing ground cinnamon, a tiny white bowl with ground nutmeg, a tiny white bowl with fine salt, a small white bowl of thick cold whipping cream, a small white bowl of white confectioners' sugar, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Breakfast casserole with brioche, Make-ahead brunch recipes, Cinnamon and maple breakfast ideas, Easy overnight French toast
  • Brioche Bread: Day-old loaf works best to absorb that custard without getting mushy.
  • Toasted Pecans: Adds great crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs amazingly with maple.
  • Eggs: The base of your custard – make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
  • Milk (2%): Helps create a creamy custard without being too heavy.
  • Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
  • Almond Extract: Just a hint gives a lovely, unexpected flavor boost.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds molasses notes for rich sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: The star spice that makes this so cozy and comforting.
  • Nutmeg: A pinch for an extra layer of warmth.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Whipping Cream (33%): For making that luscious maple cinnamon whipped cream topping.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to just the right level.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve played around with some tweaks, and honestly, it’s easy to customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

  • Swap the Nuts: Sometimes I use walnuts or even skip nuts for a nut-free version—still just as tasty!
  • Non-Dairy Option: Use almond or oat milk, and coconut cream to make the whipped topping, perfect if you’re avoiding dairy.
  • Fruit Add-ins: Toss in some fresh or dried fruits like blueberries or raisins before soaking — adds a fun burst of flavor.
  • Spice It Up: If you want more warmth, double the cinnamon or add a touch of ground ginger or cardamom.

How to Make Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Bread

Start by spraying a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then dice your brioche loaf into small cubes – you want pieces that are about bite-sized so they soak evenly. Toss those cubes right into the dish, spreading them out for even coverage.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together your eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and almond extracts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. It smells amazing already! Make sure the sugar dissolves completely so your custard is silky smooth.

Step 3: Pour and Press the Bread

Pour the custard evenly over the brioche cubes, then sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans on top. Gently press the bread and pecans down into the liquid using the back of a spoon or your hands, so every piece soaks up the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This soak time is crucial—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 35-45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and custard that’s fully set — no jiggling! If the edges start browning too quickly, try loosely tenting with foil to prevent burning.

Step 5: Whip Up That Maple Cinnamon Cream

While the bake cools for five minutes, whip your heavy cream with maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form. I use a handheld mixer for this, starting on medium speed, then cranking it up — just be careful not to overwhip. The result should be thick and fluffy, like a dreamy soft-serve topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon a generous dollop of that maple cinnamon whipped cream right on top, drizzle with more maple syrup if you’re feeling extra indulgent, and dig in! Every bite is a cozy hug on a plate.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

  • Use Day-Old Brioche: Fresher bread can get too soggy; day-old gives a perfect custard soak without falling apart.
  • Don’t Skip Toasting Pecans: Toasting nuts brings out their oils and amp up the flavor, adding a nice crunch contrast.
  • Press Bread into Custard: This simple trick ensures every bit absorbs the custard, so no dry spots in your bake.
  • Watch the Bake: Ovens vary, so keep an eye near the end and tent with foil if top browns too fast.

How to Serve Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a square piece of bread pudding with visible chunks of brown pecans inside, topped with a light brown dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon and two whole pecan halves, all resting in a pool of golden syrup that has spread slightly around the dessert. A silver fork lies next to the bread pudding on the plate. In the top right, part of a white rectangular baking dish filled with more bread pudding dusted with powdered sugar and topped with pecans is visible. A clear glass bowl filled with light brown whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon sits to the right of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Breakfast casserole with brioche, Make-ahead brunch recipes, Cinnamon and maple breakfast ideas, Easy overnight French toast

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple but fabulous with a big spoonful of maple cinnamon whipped cream right on top, plus a light drizzle of additional maple syrup — it’s the perfect final touch. Sometimes I sprinkle extra cinnamon or even a few whole pecans for a bit of flair.

Side Dishes

For a full brunch spread, I love pairing this with fresh fruit salad—berries, oranges, grapes, you name it. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side balance the sweet with savory, and a hot cup of coffee or tea completes the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this bake in smaller ramekins for individual portions—makes it feel extra fancy and perfect for guests. Another fun trick? Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint to brighten up the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the bake and whipped cream separately—the cream can get watery if mixed in. Just give the cream a quick whisk before using leftover portions.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover French toast casserole pieces wrapped tightly in foil and stored in an airtight container. They thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat beautifully the next day, almost as good as freshly baked!

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. You can freshen up the whipped cream with a quick remix or just add a drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use bread other than brioche for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Brioche is ideal because it’s soft and slightly sweet, but challah or even thick-cut white bread work well too. Just make sure your bread is at least a day old so it soaks the custard without falling apart.

  2. How long can I soak the bread overnight?

    You want to soak it at least 6 hours or overnight, but I wouldn’t go much longer than 24 hours in the fridge to keep the texture just right and prevent it from becoming too soggy or mushy.

  3. Can I prepare the maple cinnamon whipped cream ahead of time?

    You can whip and store it in the fridge for a few hours ahead, but I recommend giving it a quick stir or remixed with a whisk before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

  4. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

    Yes! Try using gluten-free brioche or any gluten-free bread you like, keeping in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe has become such a favorite in my home—every time I make it, it’s met with smiles and full plates. It’s not just about breakfast; it’s about making mornings easier, tastier, and a little more special. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and crowd-pleasing as I do. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to when you want that sweet hug-in-a-dish feeling without the fuss.

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Overnight Maple Cinnamon French Toast Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring cubes of brioche bread soaked overnight in a rich custard blend infused with maple syrup and almond extract. Topped with toasted pecans and baked until golden, it’s served with a luscious maple cinnamon whipped cream for an irresistible start to your morning.

Ingredients

Casserole

  • 1 loaf (400 grams) brioche bread (1-2 days old, cut into small cubes)
  • 3/4 cup toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1¾ cup milk (2%)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream

  • 1½ cups 33% whipping cream
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (start with 3 tbsp and if you want it sweeter add another 2 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole after baking.
  2. Cube the Brioche Bread: Cut the brioche bread into small cubes and evenly spread them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully blended.
  4. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the top. Gently press the bread cubes and pecans down so they are submerged into the liquid.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak and absorb the custard flavors.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Remove the casserole from the fridge and preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
  7. Bake the Casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. If the edges or top brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  8. Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked casserole to rest for 5 minutes to let it firm up slightly.
  9. Prepare the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Using a handheld or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon on medium speed for about 1 minute, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue until stiff peaks form, similar to a Cool Whip consistency. Be careful not to overbeat.
  10. Serve: Spoon a generous dollop of the maple cinnamon whipped cream onto each serving and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  • This casserole is best made with brioche bread that is 1-2 days old to absorb the custard well.
  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 °F for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant; let cool before chopping.
  • For a sweeter whipped cream, add up to 2 additional tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar.
  • Covering the casserole loosely with foil partway through baking prevents over-browning.
  • The casserole can be refrigerated overnight before baking, making it perfect for an easy holiday or weekend breakfast.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 408 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 158 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.01 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
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Hey, I'm Emily! I'm a home cook with a passion for fun, real recipes that make my kitchen my happy place. Dive in and share the flavor of my everyday foodie adventures!

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