Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Cinnamon Spice Easy and Perfect

Written by

kate

Posted on January 4, 2026

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Breakfast Recipes

January 4, 2026

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Let me tell you, the smell of warm cinnamon and baked bread filling the kitchen first thing in the morning is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. That’s exactly what greeted me the first time I made this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice. I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special.

When I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma used to whip up simple breakfasts that felt like little hugs on a plate. Years ago, I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to recreate that same comforting feeling on a rainy weekend. Honestly, it’s dangerously easy and delivers pure, nostalgic comfort. My family couldn’t stop sneaking pieces off the cooling dish (and I can’t really blame them).

This Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice is perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to brighten up your Pinterest cookie board with something sweet and satisfying. Tested multiple times in the name of research, of course, it’s become a staple for family gatherings and gifting. Trust me, this is one you’re going to want to bookmark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice is one of those recipes that just works—every single time. It’s been family-approved, chef-tested, and, well, kid-approved too (which, let’s face it, is the real test!). Here’s why it’s a winner:

Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute brunch plans.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry and fridge already—no fancy grocery runs needed.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy holiday morning or a casual weekend brunch, this casserole shines.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love it, adults rave about it, and it’s always the first dish to disappear at the table.
Unbelievably Delicious: The cinnamon-spice combo with custardy bread gives you that perfect balance of sweet and cozy comfort.

What sets this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole apart? It’s the gentle cinnamon-spice blend that isn’t overpowering but just right, plus the technique of soaking the bread overnight so every bite is soft and flavorful. This isn’t just a quick breakfast; it’s comfort food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple morning into something memorable without any fuss.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a satisfyingly soft texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, but a couple of fresh items make all the difference.

Brioche or Challah Bread: about 8 cups cubed (day-old bread works best for soaking)
Large Eggs: 6, room temperature (adds richness to the custard)
Whole Milk: 2 cups (you can swap with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for that extra creamy custard texture)
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (balances the cinnamon spice perfectly)
Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons (look for Nielsen-Massey if you want the real deal)
Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons (the star spice, warm and fragrant)
Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon (adds subtle depth)
Salt: ¼ teaspoon (to balance sweetness)
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (for greasing the baking dish and topping)
Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (optional, for sprinkling on top for a caramelized crust)
Maple Syrup or Powdered Sugar: for serving (totally optional but highly recommended!)

If you want to swap out the bread, whole wheat or gluten-free versions can work, but they’ll change the texture a bit. I’ve tried frozen bread cubes when fresh wasn’t available, and it turned out just fine after thawing overnight. For a vegan option, substitute eggs with a flax “egg” and use coconut or almond milk instead of dairy.

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for the casserole to bake evenly. I prefer glass or ceramic since they distribute heat nicely.
Mixing Bowls: Two medium bowls—one for the custard mix, one for bread cubes if you want to toss them before soaking.
Whisk: For mixing eggs, milk, cream, and spices thoroughly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially for the custard.
Spatula: For folding the bread gently into the custard mixture.
Plastic Wrap or Lid: To cover the dish overnight in the fridge.

If you don’t have a 9×13 baking dish, a similar-sized oven-safe pan will do. Just adjust baking times slightly. For whisking, a fork works in a pinch but a balloon whisk makes the custard silky smooth. You don’t need fancy equipment here—just basics that you likely have on hand. A budget-friendly tip: grease your dish with a bit of butter instead of spray for added flavor and less chemical smell.

Preparation Method

Prepare the Bread: Cut about 8 cups of brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Stale or day-old bread is best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Toss the cubes gently in a bowl to break up any large clumps. (10 minutes)
Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Add ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk again to combine everything evenly. (5 minutes)
Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Using a spatula, gently fold to coat all the bread pieces. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then stir again to ensure the bread absorbs the custard evenly. (15 minutes)
Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar and a little extra cinnamon on top for a caramelized crust. (5 minutes)
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. This step lets the flavors meld and the bread soak thoroughly. (Overnight)
Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats, about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. (50 minutes)
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or sift powdered sugar on top if you like. (10 minutes)

Pro tip: If you notice the edges browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. The texture should be custardy inside with a slightly crisp top—you’ll know it’s perfect when you smell that cinnamon-spiced aroma filling your kitchen.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

One of the secrets to this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice is the overnight soak. Letting the bread sit in the custard overnight ensures every bite is soft and flavorful, not soggy or dry. I’ve learned the hard way that rushing this step leads to weirdly textured bites (not fun!).

Use day-old bread for better soaking. Fresh bread tends to get mushy fast, whereas slightly stale bread holds up and absorbs just enough custard for that perfect custardy bite. Also, whisk your eggs and milk mixture thoroughly so the sugar and spices distribute evenly—lumps can ruin the texture.

When baking, keep an eye on the casserole’s top. If it’s browning too fast, cover with foil to avoid burning while the inside cooks through. For even baking, set your oven racks in the center and avoid overcrowding your oven.

Multitasking tip: While the casserole bakes, use those 45 minutes to prep coffee, set the table, or whip up some fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. Timing is everything with breakfast!

Lastly, don’t skip letting the casserole rest a bit after baking. It helps the custard set and makes slicing clean pieces easier.

Variations & Adaptations

This Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:

Fruit Add-Ins: Toss in fresh or frozen berries, apple slices, or diced pears before soaking for a fruity twist. In summer, fresh berries brighten things up beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top before baking for texture and flavor contrast.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and swap regular milk for almond or oat milk. Flax eggs can replace regular eggs to keep it vegan-friendly.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella in the custard layer for a decadent treat.
Spice Variations: Experiment with cardamom, allspice, or ginger in place of nutmeg for a different warm spice profile.

One personal favorite variation is adding a splash of orange zest with the cinnamon—it adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Feel free to get creative here; this casserole is forgiving and loves a good twist.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole warm, straight from the oven for the best experience. A drizzle of real maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a dessert-worthy dish.

Complement it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a side of scrambled eggs to round out your brunch spread. Coffee, chai tea, or even a sparkling mimosa make excellent beverage pairings.

For leftovers, cover the casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm, adding a little extra syrup to freshen things up.

This casserole also freezes well—just portion it out, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Flavors tend to deepen after sitting, so reheated bites often taste even better than day one.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice offers a comforting balance of protein, carbs, and fats to keep you energized through your morning. Each serving (about 1/8 of the casserole) roughly contains:

Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	12-15 grams (from eggs and milk)
Carbohydrates	40-45 grams (mostly from bread and sugar)
Fat	15-18 grams (from cream, eggs, and butter)

Key ingredients like cinnamon bring anti-inflammatory benefits and help regulate blood sugar. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, while whole milk and cream contribute calcium and vitamin D. For those watching carbs or dairy, swapping milk and bread types can adjust the recipe to fit various dietary needs.

Just a heads-up: this recipe contains dairy, gluten, and eggs—important for allergy considerations. Overall, it’s a cozy, satisfying breakfast that feels indulgent without being over the top.

Conclusion

So there you have it—this Cozy Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Spice is a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and that warm, nostalgic comfort we all crave. It’s a recipe that invites customization and rewards patience with a custardy, fragrant breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

I love how it brings everyone together around the table, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—trust me on that!

Give this recipe a go, tweak it to your liking, and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Share your variations too—I’d love to hear what cozy twists you add. Here’s to many cozy mornings ahead!

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread for this casserole?

Fresh bread can work, but it might get a bit mushy after soaking overnight. Day-old or slightly stale bread holds up better and soaks evenly for that perfect custardy texture.

How long can I store leftovers of this French toast casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine for a vegan-friendly version.

Can I prepare this casserole the morning of serving instead of overnight?

You can, but letting it soak overnight really improves the texture and flavor. If short on time, soak for at least 1-2 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out while baking?

Keep an eye on the baking time and cover the casserole loosely with foil halfway through if it’s browning too quickly. Also, don’t skip the cream in the custard—it helps keep things moist.

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