Overnight Maple Clementine French Toast Casserole
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.
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the bread base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the cubed bread evenly inside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- 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
