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
Scale
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
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- 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.
- Mix Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for topping.
- 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.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all bread is soaked.
- Add Peach Topping: Arrange the drained sliced peaches evenly over the soaked bread, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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