![- 6 slices of thick challah or brioche bread - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 4 large eggs - 1 cup milk (you can use either whole or almond milk) - 1/2 cup heavy cream The main ingredients make this dish special. Thick challah or brioche bread gives a soft and fluffy base. Fresh cherries add a sweet and tart flavor. Toasted sliced almonds bring a nice crunch. Eggs, milk, and heavy cream create a rich custard. This mixture soaks into the bread, making it soft and creamy. I love how these flavors blend together. - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Optional ingredients can enhance the dish. Maple syrup adds sweetness. Vanilla and almond extracts give a nice aroma. Ground cinnamon adds warmth, while salt balances the flavors. If you want a sweet finish, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. These extras make your French toast even more delightful. To see the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Start by slicing the bread. Each slice should be about one inch thick. I like to use challah or brioche for a rich taste. Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If you need to, overlap the slices a bit to fit them all in. Next, it’s time to add the fruit and nuts. Take the fresh cherries and cut them in half, removing the pits. Spread the halved cherries evenly over the bread. The sweet fruit adds a lovely taste. Now, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds on top. This gives a nice crunch and enhances the flavor. In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs open and whisk them well. Then, add the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is mixed smoothly. This custard is what makes the French toast moist and flavorful. Carefully pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread. Make sure all pieces are well-coated. If any bread sticks up, gently press it down to soak it. Once all the bread is covered, cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to soak. It’s best to let it sit for at least four hours or overnight for the best flavor. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important so the French toast cooks evenly. After the oven is hot, remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and set custard. Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into portions. For a nice touch, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm, and consider drizzling more maple syrup on top. For presentation, arrange the slices on a platter. Add extra cherries and almonds for a beautiful finish. You can find the Full Recipe if you want to try this at home! To boost the taste of Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast, try using different bread types. Thick challah or brioche works well, but sourdough or whole grain adds a unique twist. Each bread brings its own flavor and texture. Incorporating seasonal fruits is another great way to enhance flavor. Besides cherries, you can use blueberries, peaches, or apples. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and adds a fresh taste. One common mistake is over-soaking the bread. If you leave it too long in the custard, the bread can get soggy. Aim for a soak time of 4 hours or overnight for the best texture. Baking at incorrect temperatures can ruin your dish. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the top may burn before the inside cooks. Pairing your French toast with breakfast beverages can enhance the meal. Freshly brewed coffee or a fruity smoothie complements the flavors. Choose drinks that match the sweetness of the dish. For toppings, think about what will complement the dish well. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweetness. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for extra flair. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even more fun by mixing flavors. Try using different nuts like walnuts or pecans. Each nut gives a new taste and texture. You can also use other fruits. Peaches or blueberries can bring a fresh twist. Adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the taste too. Just a pinch can change the whole flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk works great. You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream. This keeps the dish rich without dairy. For gluten-free choices, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty alternatives that work well in this recipe. Just ensure it is thick to soak up the custard. Make your French toast stand out for special days. Add festive touches like cinnamon or nutmeg for holidays. You can also top it with whipped cream or extra cherries for a special look. Use a fun plate or garnish with mint leaves for a nice touch. These small changes make your dish shine during any celebration. For the full recipe, check the details above! To store leftovers, place slices in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the slices. This keeps them from sticking together. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. To keep flavors intact, avoid adding syrup until serving. This way, the bread stays fresh and does not get soggy. If you want to freeze your French toast, let it cool completely. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This helps keep the flavors locked in and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply take out the slices and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and fluffy. If you prefer using a microwave, heat each slice for about 30 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! Yes, overnight soaking is recommended for maximum flavor. This allows the bread to soak up all the tasty custard. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend together. I love making it before bed. By morning, it’s ready to bake and enjoy! You can use vanilla extract or other flavored extracts. If you dislike almond flavor, vanilla is a great choice. It adds a sweet touch. You could also try hazelnut or even coconut extract for a twist. Each option gives a unique taste to the dish. Look for a golden brown top and set custard in the center. When it bakes, it puffs up and turns golden. A toothpick test helps too. If it comes out clean, the French toast is ready. Trust your eyes and the toothpick! This article outlined a delicious French toast recipe using rich ingredients like challah bread, fresh cherries, and almonds. We explored the steps to prepare, bake, and serve your dish, along with tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. You can also customize this recipe with variations and storage tips to keep it fresh. Experimenting with different fruits or making it dairy-free could elevate your creation. Enjoy making this simple yet delightful dish for any occasion.](https://tastyrecipes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/30c5598f-63ef-483b-a633-0716f6993c7f-300x300.webp)
Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast
Indulge in a delicious Cherry Almond Overnight French Toast that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch! With layers of thick challah or brioche bread soaked in a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and almond flavor, topped with fresh cherries and toasted almonds, this dish promises mouthwatering flavors. Prep it the night before for easy serving! Click to explore the complete recipe and treat your taste buds to this delightful treat.