Overnight French Toast: A Hassle-Free Morning Treat

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 16 slices whole wheat bread
• 1 (16-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk
• 1 cup 2% or whole milk



• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 small lemon or 1/2 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For Serving:

• Pure maple syrup
• Butter
• Fresh berries
• Greek yogurt
• Powdered sugar




• Peanut butter

Instructions

The Night Before:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toast bread slices lightly in the oven for 8-10 minutes.




3. Cut bread diagonally into halves.
4. Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon/orange zest, salt, and remaining cinnamon.
7. Arrange bread slices in the casserole dish.
8. Pour custard mixture over the bread.
9. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
10. Cover and let sit for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight.

When Ready to Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Remove French toast from the refrigerator and let come to room temperature (if refrigerated).
3. Bake covered for 20 minutes.
4. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use dry bread to soak up the custard better.
• Lightly press down on the bread to ensure even absorption.
• Make it fancy by fanning the bread slices in the pan.
• Let the pan come to room temperature before baking to prevent cracking.

Flavor Twists

• Berry Overnight French Toast: Add fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries.
• Citrusy French Toast: Increase the lemon or orange zest.
• Pecan Overnight French Toast: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking.
• Overnight French Toast with Cream Cheese: Dot bread with cubed cream cheese before pouring the custard mixture.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Freeze cooked French toast casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For a quick option, skip the overnight soak and let the bread rest in the custard for at least 15 minutes before baking.