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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Caramelized Peach Topping

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An effortless overnight French toast casserole featuring a custardy bread base topped with sweet, buttery caramelized peaches. Perfect for lazy weekends or special brunch occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (can substitute half with cream for richer custard)
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium fresh peaches, sliced (frozen peaches can be used in winter)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (roughly half a loaf) of day-old bread into 1-inch pieces. Place the cubes evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
  4. About 30 minutes before baking, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup packed brown sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts to bubble.
  5. Add 3 sliced peaches, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until peaches soften and caramel thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  7. Spread the caramelized peach topping evenly over the soaked bread.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until custard is set and top is golden brown and crisp around edges. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
  9. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess; if using fresh bread, dry it in a low oven for 10 minutes. Keep heat medium when caramelizing peaches to avoid burning. Tent casserole with foil if topping browns too quickly. Let casserole rest before slicing for best texture. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in oven at 325°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, caramelized peach topping, easy breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, peach French toast, make-ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-caramelized-peach-topping/