This easy oven-baked French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast! Golden, crisp edges with a soft custard center make it ideal for holidays, brunch, or weekend mornings.
Mix together the 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and maple syrup in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until melted.
Pour into a greased casserole dish.
Cube the bread and pour over the top of the sugar-butter mixture.
Combine the 8 eggs, milk, cream, 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla. Beat until the eggs are completely beaten.
Pour over the top of the bread, pressing the bread down to completely saturate it.
Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, make the crumb topping. Combine, the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter cut into small pieces. Pour over top of the bread.
Recover with foil. Place in a preheated 350℉ oven and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.