Go Back
An assortment of festive Xmas food items on a decorated table.

Overnight Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake

Enjoy a delicious and easy breakfast with this make-ahead Cranberry Orange French Toast Bake. Perfect for holidays or weekend brunch, with a hint of citrus and a touch of sweetness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 loaf (13-16 oz) challah or brioche bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8-10 cups)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 large orange Zest of
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries or frozen, not thawed
  • 1/4 cup butter unsalted, melted, for topping
For the Streusel Topping (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • plastic wrap
  • small bowl
  • pastry blender or fingertips

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and arrange the bread cubes evenly in it.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest.
  3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread is saturated, then sprinkle with cranberries.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the bake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  2. If using, prepare the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then cutting in cold butter until crumbly.
  3. Drizzle melted butter over the bake and sprinkle with streusel topping, if using.
  4. Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and set; a knife inserted should come out clean.
Serving
  1. Let rest a few minutes, then serve warm with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Notes

For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle powdered sugar over the French toast bake before serving, or add a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping a delicious breakfast for a crowd!