Overnight Peanut Butter French Toast Casserole
A decadent breakfast casserole that transforms ordinary bread into a rich, custardy delight with creamy peanut butter swirled throughout. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or feeding a crowd without the hassle of flipping individual slices. The overnight preparation allows the bread to fully absorb the vanilla-scented custard, creating a texture that's crispy on top and pudding-like beneath. Each bite delivers the nostalgic combination of peanut butter and cinnamon, by a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish
- 2
Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt
- 3
Spread half the bread cubes in the baking dish
- 4
Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter over the bread cubes
- 5
Top with remaining bread cubes
- 6
Pour egg mixture evenly over bread
- 7
Bake for 45 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set
- 8
Cool for a few minutes before serving with additional maple syrup
Tips
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after assembling to help the bread absorb the custard more evenly before baking.
Use slightly stale bread for better texture - fresh bread can become too soggy while day-old bread holds its shape better.
Warm the peanut butter slightly to make it easier to distribute evenly throughout the casserole.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Assemble completely the night before and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Common Mistakes
Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling when mixing with other ingredients.
Don't overbake or the custard will become rubbery - center should be just set when done.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk using the same quantity. The texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 300°F oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze assembled unbaked casserole for up to 1 month, or freeze baked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.