I absolutely love how this Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe comes together effortlessly to give you a decadent, comforting breakfast or brunch. It’s one of those recipes that practically makes itself overnight, which means waking up to a warm, fruity, and creamy casserole is as easy as it gets. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate a recipe that saves you time in the morning without sacrificing flavor or that special homemade touch.

This French toast bake has become my go-to for weekends when I want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of peaches, cinnamon, and cream turns an everyday breakfast into a delightfully sweet and satisfying treat. Once you try this Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd-pleaser and a staple in my breakfast rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Overnight Convenience: Prep before bed and wake up to a ready-to-bake delight.
  • Perfect Balance: Sweet peaches combine with creamy custard and cinnamon spice for layers of flavor.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or weekend treat, this recipe satisfies every time.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for planning ahead and frees up your morning stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using thick slices of French bread ensures that the custard soaks in nicely, while the peaches add a juicy sweetness that brightens every bite.

  • French bread: Thick slices work best so the custard can soak in without turning mushy.
  • Egg whites: Lightweight, keeping the bake fluffy without extra fat. I like using All Whites brand for convenience.
  • Skim or almond milk: Your choice here depending on your preference; almond milk adds a subtle nutty note.
  • Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the custard base without overpowering the peaches.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and gives a warm aroma.
  • No sugar added sliced peaches: I recommend using canned peaches drained well, as fresh peaches don’t soften enough during baking.
  • Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like flavor when sprinkled over the peaches.
  • Ground cinnamon: A classic addition that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of peaches.
  • Heavy cream: Reduced into a luscious sauce that you drizzle on before baking for an irresistible creaminess.
  • Whipped topping: Optional, but I love a dollop on top when serving for that extra indulgence.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can easily swap out ingredients or add your own twist to make it feel just right for your kitchen.

  • Try Different Fruit: Swapping peaches for pears or apples creates a cozy alternative I enjoy during the fall.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk and coconut whipped topping to keep things creamy without dairy.
  • Spice It Up: Adding a bit of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon gives a fragrant, warm complexity.
  • Make It Extra Decadent: Stir in some cream cheese into the custard for a cheesecake-inspired bake my family can’t get enough of.

How to Make Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bread Layer

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier. Then, arrange the thick slices of French bread in a tight, flat layer. You want the bread as close together as possible to soak up all that custard without leaving gaps. When I first made this, I learned spacing the bread tight really makes the texture perfect—no dry bites here!

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Custard

Whisk the egg whites with milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each piece gets coated. Don’t worry if it looks liquidy—that’s exactly what you want. The bread will soak it all up overnight, turning soft and custardy by morning.

Step 3: Add Peaches and Spice

Drain your peaches well, then spread them evenly over the soaked bread. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top—this adds a lovely caramelized crust when baked. I discovered this trick after missing the sugar sprinkle on my first try; it takes the flavor to a whole new level.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This slow soak time is key to letting the bread absorb all the flavor without getting soggy or falling apart.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Sauce and Bake

Thirty minutes before baking, take the dish out to come to room temperature, then preheat your oven to 350°F. Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over high heat until it boils, then reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half—about 10-12 minutes. Drizzle this luscious sauce over the peaches just before putting the dish uncovered into the oven. Bake 50-55 minutes until the top is lightly browned and set but still soft inside. If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last few minutes.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes—this helps it set and makes serving easier. If you want to get a little fancy, top each serving with a spoonful of whipped topping right before bringing it to the table. My family goes crazy for this sweet finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe

  • Choose Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale French bread soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
  • Drain Peaches Thoroughly: Too much juice can make the bake soggy, so I always give them a good drain before using.
  • Let It Sit Before Baking: Bringing the dish to room temperature before baking helps with even cooking and texture.
  • Watch the Browning: Cover loosely with foil if it’s browning too quickly to avoid burning the topping.

How to Serve Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe

A slice of cinnamon roll cake sits on a white speckled plate with a smooth texture, showing three thick layers of soft, light beige cake swirled with darker cinnamon filling. The top layer is covered with a thick, creamy white frosting that drips slightly over the side, dusted with light brown cinnamon powder. On top of the frosting is a small piece of bright orange peach. A gold fork rests on the plate’s left side. In the background, a second white plate with more cinnamon roll cake is slightly blurred, as well as a small white bowl filled with peach pieces. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a bright yellow backdrop. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to top this French toast bake with a generous dollop of whipped topping—it adds a light, airy contrast to the creamy custard. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar also make it look pretty and add subtle extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Serve this with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint, or keep it simple with a fresh fruit salad and a steaming cup of coffee. My brunch guests always appreciate having both sweet and savory options alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to bake this in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—everyone gets their own perfectly browned personal bake. You can also drizzle a little honey or maple syrup right before serving to amp up the sweetness and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. My secret? Refrigerate them promptly and cover tightly to preserve moisture and avoid drying out.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this bake successfully by cutting it into portions and wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat—it still tastes fantastic without losing the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the portions with foil to prevent extra browning and warm them in a 350°F oven until hot, usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the edges from drying out and maintains that perfect custardy softness inside.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned in this recipe?

    Fresh peaches aren’t recommended because they require longer baking to soften properly and tend to release a lot of water, which can make the bake soggy. Using well-drained canned peaches ensures your bake has the right texture and flavor without excess moisture.

  2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Simply substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread that holds up well when soaked, like a sturdy gluten-free brioche or challah. Make sure to check other ingredients like vanilla extract are gluten-free too.

  3. Do I really need to let the bake sit overnight?

    While you can let it soak for a few hours, the overnight soak allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and flavors, resulting in a moist, flavorful bake. It also makes morning prep super easy since it’s ready to bake right away.

  4. Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

    Yes, you can substitute whole eggs if you prefer a richer custard. Just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly as whole eggs add more fat and volume. I sometimes do this for a creamier texture but the original recipe keeps it lighter.

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe has become one of those special dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so darn easy and reliably delicious. It feels like a treat without much effort, and the warm cinnamon and peaches combined with creamy custard bring a smile to everyone’s face at the table. I really hope you give it a try—it’s the perfect recipe to impress without stress, and I promise it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Print
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Overnight Peaches and Cream French Toast Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 117 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Overnight French Toast with Peaches and Cream is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines thickly sliced French bread soaked in a sweet egg white and milk mixture, layered with juicy no-sugar-added peaches, and baked until golden and tender. Topped with a silky reduced cream sauce and optional whipped topping, this comforting dish is perfect for leisurely mornings or special occasions.


Ingredients

For the French Toast:

  • 18 ounces (510 grams) French bread, thickly sliced (1 loaf)
  • 1½ cups (280 grams) egg whites (All Whites Brand recommended or 8 separated large eggs)
  • 2 cups (454 grams) skim or almond milk
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract

For the Peach Topping:

  • 38 ounces (1,077 grams) no sugar added sliced peaches, drained (2 19-ounce jars)
  • ½ cup (107 grams) dark brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Sauce and Garnish:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (60 grams) whipped topping, thawed, such as Cool Whip (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Layer the Bread: Arrange the thick slices of French bread in a tight, flat layer in the prepared pan, making sure the slices are close together to absorb the custard fully.
  3. Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for topping.
  4. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, skim or almond milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended and smooth.
  5. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all bread is soaked.
  6. Add Peach Topping: Arrange the drained sliced peaches evenly over the soaked bread, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
  7. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking pan tightly with a lid, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and bread to absorb the custard.
  8. Preheat Oven and Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into a small pan and heat over high until boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer the cream until it reduces by half, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Drizzle and Bake: Drizzle the reduced cream sauce evenly over the peaches. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven until the top is lightly browned and the custard is set, about 50-55 minutes.
  11. Rest and Serve: Let the baked French toast casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, top with whipped topping for a creamy finish.

Notes

  • Spray the baking dish with nonstick spray before assembling to ensure easy serving.
  • Arrange the bread slices as close together as possible to minimize gaps and achieve even custard soaking.
  • Use a tight-fitting lid, plastic wrap, or foil to cover the dish during refrigeration to prevent odors and dryness.
  • Allow the casserole to warm slightly before baking for even cooking; avoid baking directly from very cold.
  • If the casserole browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
  • Use peaches packed in water or syrup, drained well; fresh peaches are not recommended as they require longer baking to soften.
  • Whipped cream can be homemade or store-bought; it adds a nice creamy touch.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of casserole)
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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