Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe

If you love cozy, dreamy breakfasts that you can prep ahead and wake up to, then you’re going to adore this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy custardy bread soaked overnight, toasted pecans adding a crunch, and a luscious whipped cream with just the right hint of maple and cinnamon. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — it feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for a relaxed weekend morning. Let me walk you through everything so you can nail it in your kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important role here, from the rich brioche that soaks up the custard beautifully to the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg that gives this casserole its cozy flavor. I always grab a good quality maple syrup and fresh pecans to maximize taste.

• Brioche bread: I prefer brioche that’s a day or two old so it soaks up the custard perfectly without getting mushy.
• Toasted pecans: Toasting them enhances their crunch and flavor — you’ll notice the difference.
• Eggs: They create the custard base that holds everything together.
• Milk (2%): Gives a creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth; use pure maple for the best flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic warmth to the custard.
• Almond extract: Just a touch to complement the maple and enhance the nuttiness.
• Brown sugar: Gives a caramel-like sweetness and helps with that golden top.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: The classic warm spices that make everything feel like fall in a bite.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Heavy whipping cream (33%): For the whipped cream topping—the creamier, the better!
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream gently without any graininess.

Variations

One of the best things about this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I like swapping out pecans or adding fruit sometimes, and you’ll find that small tweaks keep things exciting.

• Fruit-Add In: I’ve added fresh blueberries or thin apple slices before soaking, which gives a juicy, fresh contrast to the rich custard.
• Nuts Swap: Use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your thing – they all toast beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk for almond milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the topping; it’s just as indulgent!
• Vegan Twist: Use a vegan custard base made from silken tofu or chickpea brine, and coconut whipped cream to keep the magic.

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

Step 1: Cube the Brioche and Prep the Dish

Start by cutting your brioche into small, bite-sized cubes—this helps each piece soak up the custard evenly. I like to spray my 9×13 baking dish well with nonstick spray; it saves you from any sticky moments during serving.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

Grab a large bowl and whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. I find a good whisking isn’t just mixing – it helps air get in, making your casserole a little fluffier.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak Overnight

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche cubes in your dish. Then sprinkle the toasted pecans on top for that delightful crunch. Gently press everything down so all bread pieces are submerged in the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This soaking step is what gives the casserole its perfect custardy texture – don’t skip it!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the whole dish is set. Here’s a tip I learned: if the edges start browning too fast, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center finishes cooking.

Step 5: Whip the Maple Cinnamon Cream

While the casserole rests for about 5 minutes after baking, use a mixer to whip together heavy cream, maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon. Beat first on medium speed for a minute, then crank it up to medium-high until stiff peaks form. The trick is not to stop too soon or overbeat — you want a fluffy, cool-whip-like consistency that melts perfectly over warm casserole slices.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon a generous dollop of that maple cinnamon whipped cream onto your warm casserole slices and, if you like, drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top. Trust me, that final touch makes this feel like a restaurant-worthy brunch at home.

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

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream for that extra pop. Fresh berries work wonders too—they add some brightness and a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like crispy bacon or maple-glazed sausages to add savory contrast. A simple green salad or fresh fruit salad also pairs beautifully if you want to keep things lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving individual portions in small ramekins with whipped cream piped on top for an elegant touch. Or layer this casserole with slices of banana or berries in a trifle-style glass for a stunning breakfast presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture remains delightfully soft, and the flavors continue to meld. Just don’t add whipped cream before storing—wait until serving.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you cut it into individual squares before freezing in airtight containers or bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat leftover slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes to keep the custard’s creamy texture without drying it out. Adding fresh whipped cream right before serving revives its freshness perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Maple Cinnamon Whipped Cream Recipe has become my go-to for holiday breakfasts and weekend brunches because it feels indulgent but is so simple to pull together. I love that I can prep it the night before and wake up to a kitchen filled with that wonderful sweet aroma. You’ll enjoy how the flavors develop overnight, and the whipped cream topping really sets it apart from any other French toast you’ve tried. Give it a shot—I promise your family and friends will thank you with every bite!

Print