Dessert

Overnight French Toast with Berry Topping Recipe

Bynova cole January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Introduction

Overnight French Toast is a simple and delicious way to prepare a comforting breakfast with minimal morning effort. This recipe combines soft, custardy bread soaked in an egg-milk mixture, topped with a buttery crumb and fresh berries for a perfect start to your day.

The image shows a white, square baking dish filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer appears to be soaked bread pieces that are golden brown and slightly crispy on top. Scattered throughout and on top of the bread are fresh mixed berries, including bright red strawberries cut into halves, and dark blue blueberries, some whole and some slightly crushed with juice mixing into the bread. The berries add shiny, juicy spots of red and dark blue color that contrast with the toasted light brown bread. The dessert has a syrupy glaze that makes the bread and berries look moist and glossy, with some light dusting of powdered sugar adding a fine white texture. The dish is set on a white marbled texture surface with soft lighting highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf day-old French bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
2 cups whole milk
7 large eggs
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch Kosher salt
½ cup salted butter, cubed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup berries (frozen is fine)

Instructions

Step 1: Butter or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Layer 10 cups of bread cubes evenly in the pan, creating about 2 layers.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat together 2 cups of milk, 7 eggs, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 5: Cover with aluminum foil and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup butter, ½ cup flour, and ½ cup brown sugar using a pastry cutter or two knives until crumbly. Cover and chill.
Step 7: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 8: Sprinkle the topping over the bread and evenly disperse 1 cup of berries on top.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is cooked through.
Step 10: Enjoy by itself or topped with syrup.

Tips & Variations

Using day-old bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
Feel free to substitute berries with sliced apples or peaches for a seasonal twist.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.
To make it dairy-free, swap whole milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a thick, square piece of French toast on a white plate with decorative edges, set on a white marbled surface. The toast looks soft and fluffy, with a golden brown top layer that has a slightly crispy texture. It is topped with syrup that glistens and lightly drips over the sides, adding a shiny look. On top and around the toast, there are fresh berries including blackberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries, adding bright dark purple, blue, and red colors. A light dusting of powdered sugar is visible on the berries and toast, giving a delicate white contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or even sturdy sandwich bread can be used. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to better soak up the custard.

Can I prepare this recipe without chilling overnight?

While chilling overnight produces the best texture, you can let it sit for at least 3 hours if short on time. This allows the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly.