There’s something magical about waking up to the scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven.

This Overnight French Toast Bake delivers all the warm, cozy vibes you crave in the morning—without any morning stress.

It’s soft, custardy in the center, golden on the edges, and topped with a thick layer of cinnamon sugar crunch.

Best part? You prep it the night before and simply bake it fresh in the morning.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s effortless—no flipping slices or stovetop mess.

The cinnamon topping bakes into a buttery, caramelized crust.

Perfect for holidays, brunches, or lazy Sundays.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

French bread or Texas toast – Thick, sturdy slices soak up the custard beautifully.

Eggs, half-and-half, milk – For a rich, silky custard base.

Vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg – Add warm, comforting flavor throughout.

Brown sugar and butter – Create the sweet, crunchy topping.

Corn syrup (optional) – Gives the topping extra shine and stickiness.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use day-old bread for better texture—it soaks the custard without falling apart.

Make sure to whisk the custard thoroughly to blend the spices evenly.

Flip the bread slices in the morning before baking for even soaking.

Let the dish rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Bake with Cinnamon Crunch

Step 1: Grease the dish
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Arrange the bread
Slice bread into 1-inch thick pieces and layer in the dish, slightly overlapping.

Step 3: Mix the custard
Whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 4: Pour and soak
Pour the custard over the bread, making sure to coat evenly.

Spoon custard between slices. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Flip and preheat
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F. Flip the slices gently so all sides are soaked.

Step 6: Make the topping
In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and corn syrup until smooth.

Step 7: Add topping
Spread the cinnamon mixture over the bread like frosting.

Add some between slices if you like.

Step 8: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until puffed, golden, and the top is bubbly and crisp.

Step 9: Rest and serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

What to Serve It With

Fresh berries or citrus fruit salad

Maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar

Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast

Variations / Substitutions

Use brioche or challah for a richer texture

Swap nutmeg for cardamom or pumpkin spice

Add chopped pecans to the topping for crunch

Make it dairy-free with almond milk and coconut cream

Storage & Leftovers

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container

Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm

To freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly and reheat from frozen

FAQs

Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, you can let it soak for at least 2–3 hours if you’re short on time, though overnight is best.

What’s the best bread to use?
Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah are ideal. Avoid soft sandwich bread.

Do I need the corn syrup in the topping?
No, it’s optional. It just adds extra shine and a slightly chewier texture.

Can I prepare the topping in advance?
Yes, make it the night before and refrigerate. Let it soften before spreading.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar in the custard slightly, but keep the topping as is for the crunch.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use a sturdy gluten-free bread that won’t fall apart after soaking.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
It should be golden on top and set in the center. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight French Toast Bake is my go-to dish for relaxed, cozy mornings.

It’s sweet, spiced, and satisfying—without keeping you stuck in the kitchen.

Make it once, and it’ll be a brunch favorite forever.