Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch idea, you’re going to absolutely love this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish that combines rich brioche bread soaked in a fragrant custard, topped with toasted pecans, and finished with a dreamy maple cinnamon whipped cream that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a weekend tradition!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that balance richness and sweetness perfectly. Using slightly stale brioche bread is key for soaking up all those flavors without turning mushy. Also, toasted pecans really elevate the texture, so don’t skip that step!

• Brioche bread: A day or two old is best to absorb the custard without falling apart.
• Toasted pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor—toast them yourself for maximum freshness.
• Eggs: The custard base that gives the casserole its custardy goodness.
• Milk (2%): Light enough but still creamy enough to keep things moist.
• Maple syrup: For natural sweetness and that classic, woodsy maple flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the custard’s flavor.
• Almond extract: Just a touch gives the casserole a subtle, irresistible nuttiness.
• Brown sugar: Packed to bring sweetness and caramel notes.
• Cinnamon: Essential warm spice that sings throughout the dish and whipped cream.
• Nutmeg: A pinch adds a lovely depth of spice.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Whipping cream (33%): For the luscious maple cinnamon whipped cream topping.
• Confectioners’ sugar: It sweetens the whipped cream gently without graininess.

Variations

I love how versatile this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe is. Feel free to make it your own by changing up the nuts or spices, or even throwing in some fresh or dried fruit. It’s all about what you and your family enjoy!

• Nut Swap: I once swapped pecans for walnuts and it gave a slightly earthier crunch that was delicious.
• Fruit Add-ins: Toss in fresh blueberries or diced apples before soaking for bursts of juicy freshness.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut cream for whipped cream, and it still comes out pretty amazing.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a dash of cardamom or ginger to the custard for a warm twist I stumbled upon one winter morning.

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Dish

Start by spraying your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this helps with cleanup and prevents any sticking. Then, cut your brioche bread into small cubes; I like about 1-inch pieces. You want them small enough to soak well but big enough to keep some texture. Toss the cubes evenly in your dish, and set aside while you whip up the custard.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. I learned the hard way not to skip the almond extract — it adds that surprisingly delicious layer of flavor that pulls everything together.

Step 3: Combine and Soak Overnight

Pour the custard evenly over the cubed bread in your dish. Then sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans on top. Gently press the bread cubes and pecans down into the custard so everything gets nicely submerged — this ensures the bread absorbs all those flavors overnight. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This step is magic for that perfect texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 375 °F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until the top turns golden and the center is set. If you notice the edges or top starting to brown faster than you’d like, just loosely cover with foil—Sammy’s tip that saved my first batch from burning! When done, let it rest for 5 minutes to firm up a bit before digging in.

Step 5: Whip Up the Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream

While the casserole bakes or rests, whip up the star topping. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the heavy cream, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon on medium speed for about a minute. Then crank it up to medium-high and keep going until stiff peaks form. Watch it closely—you want that cool-whip-like texture without over-beating into butter. The whipped cream adds the perfect light and sweet contrast to the rich casserole.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon a generous dollop of the maple cinnamon whipped cream over each serving, and drizzle a little more maple syrup if you’re feeling decadent. Get ready for the compliments—you’re going to hear “Wow, this is so good!” from everyone at the table.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

Besides the luscious maple cinnamon whipped cream, I often top each slice with a sprinkle of additional toasted pecans and a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar. Sometimes fresh berries or a few slices of banana add a fresh and colorful touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links to add some savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also complements the sweet richness really nicely, giving you some refreshing texture and flavor contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—each person gets their own warm, bubbly personal portion. Adding edible flowers or a small sprig of fresh mint on top of the whipped cream makes it feel festive and extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I’ve rarely seen this happen!), cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole reheats beautifully and the flavors only deepen with time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap after baking. When thawed in the fridge overnight and reheated, it’s almost as good as fresh—just make sure to add fresh whipped cream when serving for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a 350 °F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the casserole moist and prevents the top from getting too crisp. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make it a bit soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

From the moment I first made this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe, it stole my heart—and my family’s! It’s become our go-to for festive weekends and holiday mornings because it’s indulgent without being complicated. Once you have it in your repertoire, you’ll see how easy and satisfying it is to make a breakfast that feels special but actually frees up your morning. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think!

Print