Hey y'all! If you're craving a cozy, sweet breakfast that's simple to prep and sure to impress, this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole is just what you need. Loaded with layers of tender, custardy bread and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, this dish elevates any family brunch or holiday morning. The best part? You do all the work the night before—wake up, bake, and enjoy! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
- Make-ahead magic: Prep everything the night before for stress-free mornings.
- Irresistible texture: Soft, custardy layers paired with a golden, crunchy streusel.
- Perfect for a crowd: Easily feeds 8-10 people, making it great for gatherings.
- Warm, comforting flavor: Classic cinnamon and vanilla notes in every bite.
- Versatile: Tweak the recipe with your favorite breads or add-ins for a personal touch.
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold & cubed
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Bread Base
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly inside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this luscious custard all over the bread, pressing lightly to submerge. Cover tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator overnight (at least 8 hours).
Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work it into coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole and streusel out of the refrigerator while the oven heats. Sprinkle streusel evenly across the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and set. If you prefer a softer center, bake for 45 minutes; for a firmer texture, go up to 55 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
Let your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, cinnamon-filled aroma!
Notes for the Best Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy.
- If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Casserole Variations
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 ½ cups chopped apples between the bread layers for fruity bursts.
- Pecan Streusel: Mix ½ cup chopped pecans into the streusel for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle ¾ cup mini chocolate chips over the bread before adding custard for a decadent twist.
Required Equipment for Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Foil
Storing Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This dish is not freezer-friendly once baked (the streusel loses its crunch).
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole Pairings & Serving Ideas
- Perfect with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage for a hearty brunch.
- A hot cup of coffee, chai, or fresh orange juice makes a delicious beverage pairing!
Pro Tips for the Best Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
- Let the bread soak overnight for the perfect custardy texture.
- Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for superior flavor.
- Cut the bread uniformly so each bite is evenly cooked and soaked.
FAQ: Classic Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Casserole
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! Brioche, challah, or even sourdough make delicious substitutes for French bread.
- Can I assemble and bake the same day? For best results, let the casserole soak at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and texture.
- How do I prevent the streusel from burning? If you notice over-browning, loosely tent the casserole with foil toward the end of baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 9 hours 5 minutes (includes overnight soak)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and diced
Instructions
-
1Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
-
2In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
-
3Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
-
4For the streusel, mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
-
5Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top.
-
6Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply