Description
This Company’s Coming French Toast Bake is a delicious overnight casserole made with sourdough bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla, topped with a spiced brown sugar crumble. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, impressive breakfast or brunch dish perfect for feeding a crowd or a festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 10 small eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Base
- 18 ounces sourdough bread
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the custard: In a bowl, whisk together 10 small eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup whipping cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the base: Grease a 9”x13” baking dish evenly and arrange 18 ounces of sourdough bread in a single, even layer. Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing the bread down so it absorbs the custard.
- Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Grate 1/2 cup cold butter into the mixture, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish and the bowl with the crumble topping separately with plastic wrap and refrigerate both overnight to allow the custard to soak into the bread.
- Preheat and finish assembly: The next day, remove the baking dish and crumble from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C). Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the soaked bread base.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
- Serve: Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles for an indulgent breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- Be sure to refrigerate the assembled dish overnight to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard for the best texture.
- Using day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread helps it soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- The crumble topping can be prepared ahead and kept in the fridge separately until ready to use.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with your preferred plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter.
- Adjust baking time if using a different sized pan; the casserole should be set and golden but not dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: French toast bake, breakfast casserole, overnight french toast, sourdough french toast bake, casserole, brunch recipe, pumpkin pie spice crumble
