There’s something truly special about a weekend brunch that feels a little extra—and this Peach French Toast Casserole delivers every time.
I created this recipe as a make-ahead option for lazy Sundays or holiday breakfasts when you want something comforting, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet.
Chunks of buttery bread soak up a rich custard, layered with juicy peaches and a cinnamon streusel topping that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
Recipe Highlights
This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or making mornings feel luxurious with minimal effort.
The bread soaks up a sweet vanilla custard overnight, then gets baked into a fluffy, golden casserole bursting with warm peach flavor.
The brown sugar crumb topping adds texture and a cozy cinnamon touch.
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free mornings
. - Juicy peaches in every bite
. - Perfect for brunch, holidays, or potlucks
. - Streusel topping adds sweet crunch
. - Easy to customize with your favorite fruits or nuts
Creating the Perfect Peach French Toast Casserole
This delightful Peach French Toast Casserole combines the sweetness of sliced peaches with a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and heavy cream.
It’s a wonderful choice for brunch or special occasions, offering a warm and inviting dish that is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Using a loaf of French bread, this casserole achieves a fluffy and flavorful base that soaks up the custard mixture, resulting in a satisfying breakfast experience.
Ingredients That Shine
The key ingredients for this casserole include fresh or canned sliced peaches, which provide a burst of flavor in each bite.
The custard is crafted from a blend of eggs, milk, and heavy cream, creating a creamy texture that perfectly complements the bread.
Granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar enhance the overall flavor profile, making this dish a favorite for family gatherings.
- French bread: Slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without getting soggy. You can also use challah or brioche for a richer texture.
. - Fresh peaches: Sweet, juicy, and vibrant—ideal for seasonal flavor. Canned peaches (drained) can be substituted in a pinch.
. - Eggs: The base of the custard, adding richness and structure.
. - Milk & Heavy Cream: A mix gives the custard body and creaminess.
. - Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Sweetens the casserole and adds cozy spice to the topping.
. - Butter: Used in the topping for a crisp, golden finish.
. - Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the custard flavor.
How to Make My Peach French Toast Casserole
- Prepare the Bread Base:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and place it evenly in the dish.
. - Layer the Peaches:
Distribute the peach slices evenly over the bread cubes.
. - Make the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 ½ cups whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and peaches.
. - Chill Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
. - Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in ¼ cup cold butter using a fork or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
. - Bake the Casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the chilled casserole. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
. - Cool & Serve:
Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish by greasing it.
Cubed French bread is layered with sliced peaches, forming the base of the casserole.
Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and other ingredients to create the custard mixture, which is then poured over the bread and peaches.
For the best results, allow the casserole to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This step ensures that the bread absorbs the custard fully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Baking to Perfection
After letting the casserole sit, sprinkle brown sugar and melted unsalted butter over the top before placing it in the oven.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the custard is set, which typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes.
The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve warm, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Fresh peach slices and a sprig of mint not only enhance the presentation but also add a refreshing touch to this delightful breakfast dish.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and whipped cream.
. - Pair with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage.
. - Add a fruit salad or peach smoothie for a full brunch spread.
. - Top with vanilla Greek yogurt or cream cheese glaze for dessert vibes.
Nutritional Information
This Peach French Toast Casserole serves approximately eight people, making it perfect for gatherings.
Each serving contains about 320 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein.
The combination of carbohydrates and sugars from the bread and peaches provides a satisfying start to the day.
Tips for the Best Peach French Toast Casserole
Use slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy. Always chill the casserole to allow the custard to soak thoroughly into the bread—overnight is ideal.
For extra flavor, toss the peaches with a little cinnamon sugar before layering. If using canned peaches, drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
And don’t skip the streusel topping—it’s the golden, crunchy crown of this dish.
Peach French Toast Casserole Recipe
Course: Breakfast / BrunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
square (1/12 of casserole)20
minutes45
minutes310
kcal4 hours
to overnightThis casserole features layers of sliced peaches and a custard mixture made from eggs, milk, and heavy cream, baked to perfection. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving approximately 8 people.
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
1 loaf (about 10 cups) French bread, cubed
3 cups fresh peaches, sliced
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of saltPinch of salt
Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place bread cubes evenly inside.
- Top with sliced peaches.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over bread and peaches.
- Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter to make streusel. Chill until use.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Sprinkle streusel on top.
- Bake uncovered 45–50 minutes or until set and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brioche or challah for a richer, sweeter casserole.
- Try adding chopped pecans to the streusel for a nutty crunch.
- If your peaches are super ripe, reduce added sugar slightly.
- This dish is also delicious served cold the next day—great for summer mornings!
Storage and Warming
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
. - Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
. - Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.