Overnight Baked French Toast with Berries Bananas and Nuts"

Savor the sweetness of Overnight Baked French Toast topped with fresh berries, bananas, and crunchy nuts. A delicious breakfast treat awaits!

Overnight Baked French Toast with Berries, Bananas, and Nuts is the epitome of a stress-free, delicious breakfast option for the whole family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just layer slices of bread in a baking dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and your choice of spices, then pour the mixture over the bread.

Let it soak overnight in the refrigerator; the magic happens while you sleep!

Let it soak overnight in the refrigerator; the magic happens while you sleep! Come morning, pop it in the oven while you prepare coffee or set the table, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful, golden-brown pastry bursting with flavors.

This wholesome breakfast is perfect for busy weekday mornings

This wholesome breakfast is perfect for busy weekday mornings and leisurely weekend brunches alike. It ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

Not only is this Overnight Baked French Toast irresistibly delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch thanks to its wholesome ingredients.

Adding fresh berries and bananas enhances the flavor and encourages a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber

Adding fresh berries and bananas enhances the flavor and encourages a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet. Nuts add a satisfying crunch while providing heart-healthy fats and proteins, making this dish a well-rounded choice for breakfast or a midday snack.

This Overnight Baked French Toast is not just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create moments of joy over the breakfast table

Plus, it's easily adaptable—whether you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences or use what you have, you can swap in gluten-free bread, different types of milk, or various fruits. With its ease of preparation and nourishing components, this Overnight Baked French Toast is not just a meal; it’s an opportunity to create moments of joy over the breakfast table that everyone in the family can cherish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Serving Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1. Whole Grain Bread: 8-10 slices (about 12 ounces)
   • Whole grain or whole wheat bread is a healthier choice, providing more fiber.
2. Large Eggs: 4
   • Eggs help bind the French toast and add protein.
3. Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk of your choice): 2 cups
   • This keeps the dish creamy while being lower in calories compared to whole milk.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
   • Adds natural sweetness and flavor.
5. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
   • It is a natural spice that enhances flavor and can have anti-inflammatory benefits.
6. Maple Syrup or Honey: 2 tablespoons (optional)
   • For added sweetness, it can be omitted for a lower sugar option.
7. Berries (mixed, such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries): 1-2 cups
   • Fresh or frozen, they add antioxidants and vitamins.
8. Banana: 1 large, sliced
   • Adds natural sweetness and potassium.
9. Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds): ½ cup
   • Provides healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Topping Ideas (Optional)

• Greek Yogurt: 1 cup
  • To serve on top, adds protein and creaminess.

This combination of ingredients makes a delicious Overnight Baked French Toast dish and ensures it is packed with nutrients to kickstart your day!

Instructions

Here are detailed step-by-step instructions to make Overnight Baked French Toast with Berries, Bananas, and Nuts:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Ensure you have all the ingredients ready:

• Whole Grain Bread (8-10 slices)
• Large Eggs (4)
• Unsweetened Almond Milk (2 cups)
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Maple Syrup or Honey (2 tablespoons, optional)
• Mixed Berries (1-2 cups)
• Banana (1 large, sliced)
• Chopped Nuts (½ cup)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Arrange the Bread

2. Layer the Bread: Cut the slices of whole grain bread into halves or quarters. Place them in the greased baking dish, overlapping them as needed, until the bottom is covered.

Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture

3. Whisk Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them until well beaten.
4. Add Milk and Flavorings: Pour in the 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk, add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey (if using). Whisk together until fully combined.

Step 5: Soak the Bread

5. Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are saturated. Press down gently on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.
6. Add the Fruits and Nuts: Evenly spread the sliced banana, mixed berries, and chopped nuts over the top of the soaked bread. Press them slightly into the bread mixture to ensure they stay in place during baking.

Step 6: Cover and Refrigerate

7. Cover the Dish: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator and let it soak overnight (or for at least 4 hours). This allows the bread to absorb the flavors and moisture.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

8. Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 8: Bake the French Toast

9. Bake: Remove the cover from the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

10. Cool Slightly: Once it's baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
11. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or slices and serve warm. You can top it with additional berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Step 10: Enjoy!

12. Serve and Enjoy: Gather your family around the table and enjoy your delicious overnight baked French toast with berries, bananas, and nuts as a perfect breakfast or brunch!

With these detailed steps, you'll create a delightful and nutritious meal that's sure to please everyone at the breakfast table!

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