Baked French toast is undeniably a treat, a delightful indulgence that feels both comforting and special. When you’re looking to impress at a brunch or simply want a stress-free morning breakfast for the family, make-ahead recipes are your best friend. And when it comes to reliable, crowd-pleasing recipes, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is a go-to source for many home cooks. Her Cinnamon Baked French Toast recipe has gained popularity for good reason: it’s delicious, relatively easy, and can be prepared the night before. This makes it the ultimate Overnight French Toast Pioneer Woman recipe for busy mornings and relaxed gatherings.
Overnight french toast casserole with syrup being drizzled, showcasing its golden-brown crust and soft interior
Why Overnight French Toast is a Game Changer
Hosting a breakfast or brunch can be wonderful, but the thought of juggling cooking and entertaining early in the morning can be daunting. That’s where the magic of overnight french toast comes in. This baked french toast casserole is assembled in advance, allowing the bread to soak up all the flavorful custard overnight. This not only infuses every bite with rich flavor but also significantly cuts down on morning preparation time. You simply pop it in the oven, and while it bakes, you can focus on other hosting duties or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and relax.
The Pioneer Woman’s Cinnamon Baked French Toast recipe takes this convenience to another level with its delectable cinnamon streusel topping. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls or coffee cake, you’ll adore this element. The streusel adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of cinnamon-sugar sweetness that complements the soft, custardy french toast perfectly. It transforms a classic breakfast dish into something truly special and memorable.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Your French Toast the Night Before
The beauty of this overnight french toast pioneer woman recipe lies in its make-ahead nature. Here’s how to easily prep it the evening before you plan to bake:
- Bread Preparation: Start by tearing or cubing a loaf of French bread and arranging it in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
- Custard Creation: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (Ree Drummond recommends whole milk for richness, but you can use skim or 2% to lighten it up), heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. This creamy mixture is what gives baked french toast its signature soft texture and sweet flavor.
- Soaking the Bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least several hours, or ideally overnight. This soaking time is crucial for the bread to fully absorb the custard and develop that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Streusel Topping Prep: In a separate bowl, prepare the cinnamon streusel topping. Combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store this topping in a separate airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator overnight. Keeping it separate prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures a crisp topping after baking.
Close-up of overnight french toast bake, showcasing the crumbly streusel topping and golden edges, ready to be served.
Baking and Serving Your Cinnamon Streusel French Toast
In the morning, baking your overnight french toast is a breeze.
- Preheat and Top: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the french toast casserole and streusel topping from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the french toast.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the french toast is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. The streusel topping should be beautifully golden and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked french toast cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup is a classic choice, but you can also offer fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
The Pioneer Woman’s Touch: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
What makes The Pioneer Woman’s recipes so beloved is their simplicity and reliance on readily available ingredients. This Overnight French Toast recipe is no exception. You likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator already. The recipe calls for:
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French Bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
With just these basic ingredients, you can create a breakfast that feels both special and comforting. The Pioneer Woman’s genius lies in taking simple elements and combining them in a way that delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. This Overnight French Toast is a perfect example of her culinary philosophy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or simply want to treat yourself, this Overnight French Toast Pioneer Woman recipe is a guaranteed hit. Its make-ahead convenience, combined with its delicious cinnamon streusel topping and custardy interior, makes it a winner every time. Prepare it tonight, and wake up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked french toast tomorrow morning – a truly wonderful way to start the day.
