Description
Overnight Baked French Toast with Berries, Bananas, and Nuts is the epitome of a stress-free, delicious breakfast option that the whole family can enjoy. 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.
Ingredients
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- Whole Grain Bread: 8-10 slices (about 12 ounces)
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- Whole grain or whole wheat bread is a healthier choice, providing more fiber.
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- Whole Grain Bread: 8-10 slices (about 12 ounces)
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- Large Eggs: 4
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- Eggs help bind the French toast and add protein.
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- Large Eggs: 4
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- Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk of your choice): 2 cups
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- This keeps the dish creamy while being lower in calories compared to whole milk.
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- Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk of your choice): 2 cups
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- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
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- Adds natural sweetness and flavor.
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- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
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- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
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- A natural spice that enhances flavor and can have anti-inflammatory benefits.
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- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
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- Maple Syrup or Honey: 2 tablespoons (optional)
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- For added sweetness; can be omitted for a lower sugar option.
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- Maple Syrup or Honey: 2 tablespoons (optional)
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- Berries (mixed, such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries): 1-2 cups
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- Fresh or frozen, they add antioxidants and vitamins.
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- Berries (mixed, such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries): 1-2 cups
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- Banana: 1 large, sliced
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- Adds natural sweetness and potassium.
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- Banana: 1 large, sliced
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- Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds): 1/2 cup
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- Provides healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
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- Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts or almonds): 1/2 cup
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 (1/2 cup)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease the Dish: Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Arrange the Bread
- 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
- Whisk Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them until well beaten.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Bake the French Toast
- 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
- Cool Slightly: Once it's baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- 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!
- 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!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 - 40 minutes