Introduction
Pain perdu is a classic French breakfast dish. It means “lost bread,” and it’s the perfect way to bring leftover bread back to life. This pain perdu overnight recipe makes it even better.
You prep everything the night before. The bread soaks in a rich, sweet custard while you sleep. In the morning, all you do is bake it. No rush. No mess. Just a warm and cozy breakfast.
This make-ahead French toast is great for brunch, lazy weekends, or special mornings like holidays. It tastes amazing and looks impressive, but it’s actually very easy to make.
If you’re looking for a no-stress breakfast idea, you’ll love this overnight pain perdu. It’s soft, golden, and full of flavor. Let’s get started!
For more pastry recipes, try our:
- How to Make Homemade French Toast Like a Pro: Easy Recipe & Tips
- French Toast Soufflé with Cardamom Cream and Berries
- How to Make Authentic San Francisco Sourdough Bread at Home
- The Best Apple Cinnamon Crepes You’ll Ever Taste – Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Make Perfect Chocolate Crepes with Nutella – A Decadent Breakfast Treat
What Is Pain Perdu and Why Make It Overnight?
What Is Pain Perdu?
Pain perdu means “lost bread” in French. It’s a smart way to use old or stale bread. This makes it perfect for soaking in custard.
Why Soak It Overnight?
Soaking the bread overnight gives it time to absorb all the flavors. It becomes softer, richer, and more delicious by morning.
Perfect for Hosting
You can prepare everything the night before. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. It saves time and effort, especially when you have guests.
Better Than Stovetop French Toast
Baking pain perdu overnight gives it a more even texture. It’s creamy inside and golden on top. No flipping or standing at the stove.
Use Any Bread You Like
Brioche, challah, French bread, or croissants all work great. Each type adds a unique texture and taste to your overnight pain perdu.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Overnight Pain Perdu
Brioche or Thick-Cut Bread
Use day-old or slightly stale bread. It soaks up the custard without falling apart. Brioche adds a rich, buttery flavor that works perfectly in pain perdu overnight.
Eggs, Milk, and Heavy Cream
These create the creamy custard base. Eggs add structure, while milk and cream give a smooth, rich texture.
Vanilla Extract and Cinnamon
These warm spices boost the flavor. Vanilla brings sweetness, and cinnamon adds a cozy, comforting touch.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup
Add one for natural sweetness. Brown sugar gives a caramel-like taste. Maple syrup adds depth and pairs well with baked French toast.
Optional Add-Ins
Try berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips. They make your overnight pain perdu more exciting and full of texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Overnight Soak
Cut and Layer the Bread
Slice the bread into thick pieces or cubes. Place them in a buttered baking dish. Arrange them evenly so they soak well later.
Make the Custard Mix
Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix until smooth. This rich custard is the key to flavorful pain perdu overnight.
Pour the Custard Over the Bread
Slowly pour the custard over the bread. Make sure every piece gets coated. Soaking evenly helps create a creamy texture.
Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 6 to 8 hours. The longer it soaks, the better the flavor.
Press Gently (Optional)
Gently press the bread down with a spatula. This step helps it absorb more custard. It’s useful if your bread is extra thick or dry.
Baking and Serving Your Overnight Pain Perdu
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning. Let it heat fully before baking for the best results.
Bake Until Golden
Uncover the dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The pain perdu overnight should look golden and feel set in the center.
Let It Cool Slightly
Take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
Add Toppings
Dust with powdered sugar. Add fresh berries or banana slices. Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve it warm. Pair it with coffee, tea, or even a mimosa. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or a weekend brunch.
Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Advice
Try Flavored Breads
Use raisin bread or cinnamon swirl for extra flavor. These add a sweet twist to your pain perdu overnight without extra work.
Add a Streusel Topping
Mix butter, flour, and brown sugar. Sprinkle it on top before baking. It adds a crunchy, golden layer that tastes amazing.
Make It Dairy-Free
Swap regular milk with almond milk. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These changes keep the texture rich and smooth.
Store and Reheat Leftovers
Cover any leftovers and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm. It tastes just as good the next day.
Prep Extra for a Crowd
Hosting brunch? Prepare two pans instead of one. Bake them side by side and serve a full table with ease.
Overnight Pain Perdu with Powdered Sugar
Overnight Pain Perdu with Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
Method
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Uncover and bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs: Pain Perdu Overnight
1. What’s the difference between pain perdu and French toast?
Pain perdu is the French version of French toast, often made with stale bread and a richer custard. It’s usually more indulgent and soft inside.
2. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
You can, but stale or day-old bread works better. It absorbs the custard without turning soggy.
3. What type of bread is best for overnight pain perdu?
Brioche, challah, French bread, or croissants are perfect. They soak well and add rich flavor.
4. What toppings go best with pain perdu?
Try powdered sugar, fresh berries, bananas, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
5. Can I make this in individual ramekins?
Absolutely. Just divide the bread and custard evenly, and bake for less time—about 25–30 minutes.
Conclusion
Overnight pain perdu is an easy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing breakfast. With just a few basic ingredients and simple prep the night before, you get rich, comforting flavor in the morning without the stress. It’s a great choice for holidays, weekend brunches, or lazy mornings at home. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to add your favorite toppings or flavors. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. And if you’re planning a cozy gathering, make pain perdu overnight for your next brunch—it’s sure to impress.