If there’s one brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s this Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe. Imagine soft, custardy layers of thick French bread soaked overnight in a fragrant mixture of egg whites and milk, topped with sweet, juicy peaches and a touch of cinnamon-spiced brown sugar. When baked to golden perfection and finished with a luscious reduced cream drizzle and a dollop of whipped topping, it’s delightfully comforting, beautifully fragrant, and bursting with tender, fruity goodness. This recipe isn’t just breakfast—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of this dish. From the thick slices of French bread that soak up the creamy custard to the naturally sweet peaches and that heavenly cinnamon-brown sugar sprinkle, every component works harmoniously to deliver layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden hue.
- 18 ounces French bread: Thickly sliced bread forms the cozy base, soaking up the custard beautifully.
- 1½ cups egg whites: Using egg whites keeps the bake light while providing structure and richness.
- 2 cups skim or almond milk: This combines with the egg whites to create the silky custard soak.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the custard mixture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting notes that brighten the entire dish.
- 38 ounces no sugar added sliced peaches: Juicy peaches give the bake a fresh, natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- ½ cup dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel flavor and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy undertone that elevates the bake’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Reduced to a rich drizzle that crowns the finished bake with decadence.
- 1 cup whipped topping: Optional, but recommended for a playful, creamy finish that keeps the bake feeling light and fun.
How to Make Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with nonstick spray. You want to ensure that your delicious French toast bake comes out easily after overnight soaking and baking without sticking—a simple step that saves you a lot of hassle!
Step 2: Layer the Bread
Arrange the thick slices of French bread in a tight, flat layer in your prepared baking pan. The slices should fit snugly side by side, creating a cozy bed for the custardy goodness to seep into all those nooks and crannies. This tight layer ensures every bite is soaked with flavor and soft texture.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple spice blend will add warm sweetness and a gentle kick to the peaches when sprinkled on top, making sure each forkful has that perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the egg whites, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is fully blended and smooth. This mixture forms the custard base that you’ll pour over your bread, soaking it overnight into a luscious, tender fluff.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, allowing it to soak through. Then, arrange the drained sliced peaches on top, and sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over everything. This layering adds that inviting fruitiness and the cozy warmth of spices that make this dish a standout.
Step 6: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This long soak time is the secret to achieving that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes the Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe so incredibly satisfying.
Step 7: Get Ready to Bake
About 30 minutes before baking, take the pan out of the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden crust forming on top of the bake.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Drizzle
Pour the heavy cream into a small pan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to low and let it simmer until it reduces by half, about 10 to 12 minutes. This rich cream reduction will be drizzled over the peaches before baking, adding an extra layer of creamy decadence.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle the reduced cream sauce gently over the peaches. Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is lightly browned on top and cooked through. You’ll love that golden crust with tender, juicy fruit bursting through.
Step 10: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the bake to stand for about 10 minutes. This rest period helps the custard set slightly, making the bake easier to cut and giving it the perfect balance of warm and creamy.
Step 11: Serve With a Dollop of Whipped Topping
Top each serving with a generous spoonful of whipped topping for that extra touch of light, fluffy sweetness. It’s an optional step, but it really brings a playful finish to the rich and fruity flavors.
How to Serve Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh peach slices on top can brighten your presentation. Toasted sliced almonds or a drizzle of honey add unexpected texture and natural sweetness that complements those creamy peaches perfectly.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is already bursting with flavor, simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage links work wonderfully to add a savory contrast. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a great way to freshen the palate and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by serving this French toast bake in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve experience. Or layer some fresh berries or toasted coconut between the bread slices before baking to add even more flair and surprise in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that might be tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully! Simply cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up, but be mindful it might lose some of the crisp texture on top.
FAQs
Can I use regular eggs instead of just egg whites?
Absolutely! Using whole eggs will add more richness and a slightly denser texture. If you want a lighter bake, stick to egg whites as the recipe suggests. Either way, it’ll be delicious.
What if I don’t have fresh peaches? Can I use frozen?
Yes, frozen peaches work just fine. Make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which could make the bake soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Use almond or oat milk as the custard base, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream reduction. Also, choose a dairy-free whipped topping for serving, and you’re good to go.
Is it okay to prepare the bake just a few hours before baking?
While overnight soaking is ideal for maximum creaminess, a few hours can work in a pinch. The longer the bread soaks, the better it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries can be mixed with or swapped for peaches. Just be mindful of their moisture content, and adjust the draining and baking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that balances ease with impressive flavor. Whether you’re planning a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, it offers a sweet, creamy, and comforting start to your day. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite morning ritual!
Print
Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 75 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Overnight French Toast with Peaches and Cream is a delightful make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in a lightly sweetened egg white and milk mixture. Topped with juicy, no-sugar-added peaches and a cinnamon-brown sugar sprinkle, then baked to golden perfection and finished with a rich reduced cream drizzle and whipped topping. Ideal for a crowd or a special weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Bread and Egg Mixture
- 18 ounces French bread (510 grams), thickly sliced (1 loaf)
- 1½ cups egg whites (280 grams), All Whites Brand recommended or 8 separated large eggs
- 2 cups skim or almond milk (454 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Fruit Topping and Seasoning
- 38 ounces no sugar added sliced peaches (1,077 grams), drained (2 19-ounce jars)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar (107 grams)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream (227 grams)
- 1 cup whipped topping (60 grams), thawed, such as Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Bread: Layer the thick slices of French bread tightly and flatly in the prepared pan, ensuring minimal gaps.
- Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread slices to soak.
- Add Peaches and Sprinkle Sugar Mixture: Arrange the drained peach slices evenly on top of the soaked bread, then sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture over the peaches.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb custard.
- Bring to Room Temperature and Preheat Oven: Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cream reduces by half, about 10-12 minutes.
- Bake Casserole: Drizzle the reduced cream sauce evenly over the peaches. Place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is lightly browned on top and set, about 50-55 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole stand for 10 minutes to set up further before serving.
- Serve with Whipped Topping: Spoon portions onto plates and add a dollop of thawed whipped topping if desired for extra creaminess and sweetness.
Notes
- Using egg whites keeps the casserole lighter and reduces cholesterol.
- Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to skim milk.
- Make sure to drain peaches well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
- For a richer dish, use whole milk instead of skim or almond milk.
- Whipped topping is optional but adds a nice texture contrast and creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
