Indulge in the ultimate breakfast luxury with this Overnight Caramel Strata, a decadent make-ahead dish that’s perfect for transforming mornings into a celebration. Featuring layers of soft white bread soaked in a velvety custard spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, this recipe is elevated by a luscious homemade caramel sauce made from brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream. With only 20 minutes of prep, the strata rests overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the rich custard. Baked to golden perfection, each slice reveals a gooey caramel bottom that’s sure to delight. Ideal for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts, this sweet and comforting dish pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, this caramel strata will quickly become a go-to favorite!
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream. Cook while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and pour the caramel sauce evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Trim the crusts from the bread slices and then cut each slice into halves or quarters. Arrange the bread pieces on top of the caramel in the baking dish in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing the slices down to ensure they soak in the custard mixture. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
Uncover the dish and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Use a spatula to serve, flipping each portion upside-down to show the caramel layer on top.
Serve warm and enjoy the rich, gooey caramel strata as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Calories |
4637 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.6 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.4 g | 537% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1929 mg | 643% | |
| Sodium | 4271 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 563.4 g | 205% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.4 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 318.8 g | ||
| Protein | 119.1 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 14.9 mcg | 75% | |
| Calcium | 1925 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 2272 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.