Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s make-ahead, crowd-pleasing, and full of sunshine flavor. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness while the clementines bring a light, tangy balance that makes each bite feel fresh. It’s a stress-free breakfast that looks and tastes impressive but takes minimal effort. Whether you serve it during the holidays or as a cozy Sunday brunch centerpiece, this casserole guarantees smiles around the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brioche or challah bread, cubed
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Maple syrup
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh clementine juice
• Clementine zest
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Sliced clementines (for garnish)
• Powdered sugar or extra maple syrup for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the bread base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed brioche or challah evenly in the dish.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, sugar, clementine juice, zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
4. Bake the next morning: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced clementines and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional maple syrup before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Maple Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for added texture.
• Clementine Blueberry Twist: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity burst.
• Coconut Citrus Version: Substitute half of the milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
• Glazed Citrus Topping: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and clementine juice over the baked casserole.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk or oat milk and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or bake the entire casserole in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use oranges instead of clementines?

Yes, oranges or tangerines make great substitutes—just adjust the amount of zest and juice to taste.

What kind of bread works best?

Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re rich and absorb the custard well without falling apart.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite dairy-free milk and butter alternatives. The casserole will still bake up soft and flavorful.

Is it too sweet with the maple syrup?

No, the citrus balances the sweetness perfectly. You can also reduce the maple syrup slightly if you prefer a less sweet dish.

Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced pears work beautifully with the maple-clementine flavor.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and the center just set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.

Can I bake it right after assembling?

You can, but chilling overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, giving a better texture.

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh clementine juice?

Yes, but fresh juice provides the best bright flavor and natural sweetness.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, simply use a smaller baking dish and reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole is a cheerful, make-ahead breakfast that combines the comforting richness of baked French toast with the vibrant brightness of citrus. Its soft, custardy layers and aromatic maple-clementine flavor make it a standout dish for holidays, brunches, or any morning that deserves something special. Simple, flavorful, and beautiful—it’s sunshine in casserole form.

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast bake that blends the warmth of maple syrup with the bright, refreshing flavor of clementines. With a custardy interior and golden caramelized top, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings or festive mornings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (about 12 oz) brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh clementine juice (about 3–4 clementines)
• 1 tbsp clementine zest
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Sliced clementines, for garnish
• Powdered sugar or extra maple syrup, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the bread base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the cubed bread evenly inside.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, sugar, clementine juice, zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help absorption. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven heats. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced clementines and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.

Notes

• Use brioche or challah for the best texture—they soak up custard without getting soggy.
• Freshly squeezed clementine juice gives the brightest flavor.
• Chilling overnight allows for better flavor and texture.
• Sprinkle nuts or fruit before baking for added variety.
• Serve with whipped cream or yogurt for a brunch-ready touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 165mg