If there’s one overnight French toast recipe I keep coming back to, it’s this one. This brioche French toast is rich, easy, and perfect for a slow weekend breakfast or brunch. You make it the day before, let everything soak overnight, and bake it the next morning until golden and soft in the middle.
It’s the kind of make-ahead breakfast that feels a little special without being difficult. Add warm berries and crunchy granola on top, and it’s honestly hard to beat.
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to make the night before
- Perfect for brunch, holidays or slow mornings
- Soft, rich and gooey inside with a golden crunchy top
- Delicious with warm berries and crunchy granola
- Great when you want something impressive with very little effort
Ingredients
- 57 g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 brioche loaf
- 75 g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cardamom
- 6 eggs
- 240 g milk
- 165 g ricotta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Frozen blueberries or raspberries
- Granola of your choice
Method
- Pour the melted butter into an oven dish.
- Slice the brioche and arrange it in one even layer in the dish.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the bread.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta, salt, vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.
- Cover with foil and leave in the fridge overnight.
- The next day, preheat the oven to 165°C.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered.
- Meanwhile, heat the berries in a small saucepan until soft. Mash lightly if you like.
- Spoon the warm berries over the French toast, finish with granola and serve.
Tips
- Use brioche for the best texture and flavour
- If you use sugar loaf, reduce the sugar slightly
- Frozen berries work perfectly here
- Add the granola just before serving so it stays crunchy
FAQ
Can I make overnight French toast ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is made to rest overnight so the bread can absorb all the flavour.
Yes, this recipe is made to rest overnight so the bread can absorb all the flavour.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly and are easy to keep in your freezer.
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly and are easy to keep in your freezer.
What bread is best for French toast?
Brioche is the best option because it is rich, soft and absorbs the custard beautifully.
Brioche is the best option because it is rich, soft and absorbs the custard beautifully.
How long should overnight French toast soak?
For best results, let it soak overnight in the fridge.
For best results, let it soak overnight in the fridge.