Cinnamon Strawberry Overnight French Toast

Name: Cinnamon Strawberry Overnight French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 slices of brioche or challah bread; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; Butter for greasing

Highlighted under: Fresh Cooking | Raw & Green

I absolutely love waking up to the scent of warm cinnamon and sweet strawberries wafting through the kitchen. This Cinnamon Strawberry Overnight French Toast is the perfect breakfast treat for lazy mornings when you want something delicious yet easy to prepare. By allowing the bread to soak overnight, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a custardy texture that's just divine. Plus, the fresh strawberries add a lovely burst of flavor that complements the spices perfectly. It’s a delightful way to start the day, and your family will adore it!

Created by

Wendys

Last updated on 2026-02-19T17:38:23.937Z

When I first tried making overnight French toast, I was skeptical about soaking the bread overnight. After some experimentation, I discovered that this method results in the most luxurious texture! The bread absorbs all the egg and milk mixture while developing rich flavors. I’ve tailored this recipe to highlight the sweet and tangy strawberries, and I can assure you, the combination with cinnamon is simply irresistible.

Another tip I have is to use thick slices of bread, like brioche or challah. They hold up wonderfully during the soaking process and create a delightful contrast with the tender fruit on top. I always opt for fresh strawberries, as they lend a vibrant color and flavor that truly elevates the dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The delightful combination of warm cinnamon and fresh strawberries
A make-ahead breakfast that saves time in the morning
Custardy texture that melts in your mouth

      

Flavorful Bread Choices

When selecting bread for this overnight French toast, brioche and challah are top contenders due to their rich density and slightly sweet flavor. The high butter content in brioche contributes to a wonderfully custardy outcome, while challah’s fluffy texture soaks in the egg mixture beautifully. If you're looking for a healthier option, whole grain or even gluten-free bread can be used, though you may need to adjust the soaking time. Sturdier breads like sourdough may require a bit more custard to achieve the same decadent texture.

To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, consider lightly toasting the slices before soaking them. This adds a subtle depth of flavor while ensuring the custard mixture penetrates without resulting in a mushy texture. Toasting also enhances the overall flavor profile of the breakfast dish, creating a satisfying contrast between the soft custard and the lightly crisped surface.

Perfecting the Custard

The custard mixture is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use a combination of milk and heavy cream for a rich custard that balances the egginess with luxurious creaminess. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute low-fat milk for a portion of the heavy cream, but be mindful that this may result in a less decadent flavor. The vanilla extract adds depth, and cinnamon introduces warmth—don't skimp on either as they greatly enhance the overall taste.

When whisking the custard, make sure to incorporate enough air to create a light texture. Whisk until the mixture is glossy and well-blended, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you notice any clusters of egg white, continue to whisk until smooth before pouring over the bread. Properly combining the ingredients not only ensures an even distribution of flavor but also helps prevent the custard from curdling during baking.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once baked, let the Cinnamon Strawberry Overnight French Toast sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the custard to settle further, making for a neater serving experience. You can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle maple syrup for added sweetness. For a fresh twist, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a side of yogurt, which pairs perfectly with the rich custard and fruity topping.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard will continue to thicken, so reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen, either before or after baking; just wrap it tightly in foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients

6 slices of brioche or challah bread
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Butter for greasing

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your overnight French toast:

Prepare the Bread

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter and arrange the bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Soak

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard, then scatter the sliced strawberries on top.

Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

Bake the Toast

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy this delightful breakfast!

Pro Tips

For a nice finish, you can dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Additionally, feel free to substitute other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor profile.

Adjusting for Dietary Needs

This recipe is highly adaptable for various dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk and cream with almond, coconut, or oat milk. Just ensure that whichever plant-based milk you choose is unsweetened to maintain the recipe's intended flavor profile. Additionally, flax eggs or a plant-based egg replacer can be used to maintain a similar texture if you're avoiding eggs entirely.

For those who are watching their sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar. Stevia or erythritol can be excellent choices without compromising the flavor. However, keep in mind that these substitutes may have varying sweetness levels, so adjust accordingly based on your preference.

Flavor Variations

While the star ingredients here are strawberries and cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other fruits and spices. Blueberries and bananas make delightful alternatives, and a sprinkle of nutmeg along with the cinnamon can introduce a lovely warmth. Consider adding a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese between the bread slices for a rich, decadent twist. The possibilities are endless!

For an added crunch, consider topping the finished dish with toasted nuts or granola just before serving. This not only complements the soft texture of the French toast but also provides an appealing contrast. If you're serving a crowd, you might even make a mixed berry version, layering different fruits to create a colorful and inviting presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead?

Yes, whole wheat bread can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk and cream.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast. Just wrap it tightly and store it for up to a month.