Overnight Baked French Toast Recipe: A Sweet Mother’s Day Breakfast

There’s something magical about the sound of little voices and little hands helping in the kitchen. I cherish the memories of cooking with my mom and Nana—measuring, mixing, and proudly serving dishes made with love. That’s why making a special Mother’s Day breakfast with my kids is one of my favorite traditions.

My go-to recipe for Mother’s Day, birthdays, and cozy birthday brunches is this make-ahead Overnight Baked French Toast. It’s simple, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone feel special—especially Mom!

Why Baked French Toast Is the Perfect Mother’s Day Breakfast

Here’s why this recipe is a Mother’s Day favorite in our home:

Stress-free prep: It actually tastes better when assembled the night before.
Kid-friendly: Bread can be torn by hand and the measurements don’t need to be perfect—ideal for little helpers.
Indulgent (but easy): It’s sweet, rich, and feels fancy without any fuss.
Flexible: Use whatever bread, milk, or fruit you have on hand—this recipe is hard to mess up.
Feeds a crowd: It serves my family of six easily and can be scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Feel free to customize, but here’s our favorite combo:

32 oz of bread (we love using Trader Joe’s French Baguette)
6 eggs (you can use fewer in a pinch—we’ve made it with just 2 before!)
2 cups half & half
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Overnight Baked French Toast served with berries

The Night Before:

Cube the bread and layer it in a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently so all the bread is soaked.
Cover with foil or a lid and refrigerate overnight.

In the Morning:

Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, and your favorite fruit.

Cooking with Kids: A Lesson in Practical Life Skills

Do your kids love helping in the kitchen, too? Cooking is a fantastic way to build independence, confidence, and even early math skills. Here’s how your little ones can help:

Easy Tasks:

Tearing or cutting the bread
Whisking the egg and milk mixture
Pouring the mixture over the bread
Dusting with powdered sugar

For older kids or brave parents:

Measuring ingredients (expect a little mess—it’s part of the fun!)
Cracking eggs (tip: use an eggshell to fish out any stray shell pieces)
Cutting fruit (my four-year-old uses a steak knife for strawberries, but kid-safe knives work great too)

Fun Variations & Substitutions

Dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk
Gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free bread
Add-ins: Try chocolate chips, sliced apples, chopped nuts, lemon zest, or a swirl of cream cheese

Want a Printable Recipe Card?

Would a kid-friendly printable version of this recipe help your little chefs in the kitchen? Let me know in the comments! If there’s interest, I’ll add a cute and simple recipe card that’s perfect for printing or saving.

Seven Founding Hills