If you love the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, get ready to fall in love with this PB and J French Toast Casserole. It combines the comforting flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet fruity jam, all baked into a soft, custardy casserole. Perfect for weekend brunch, meal prep, or even a fun twist on breakfast-for-dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this easy make-ahead casserole brings nostalgic flavor to the breakfast table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Flavor with a Twist – It’s the peanut butter and jelly you know and love, baked into a warm, comforting casserole.
Perfect for Brunch or Meal Prep – Make it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for stress-free hosting.
Kid-Friendly and Fun – Kids love the familiar flavors, and adults appreciate the creative spin on a childhood favorite.
Customizable – Use your favorite bread, jam flavor, or even add fresh fruit or chocolate chips.
Feeds a Crowd – Ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bread – Thick slices of brioche, challah, or white sandwich bread work best.
Peanut Butter – Creamy or crunchy, whichever you prefer.
Jam or Jelly – Use your favorite flavor, like strawberry, grape, or raspberry.
Eggs – To create the rich custard that soaks into the bread.
Milk – Whole milk works best, but you can use any milk you like.
Heavy Cream – Adds extra richness.
Vanilla Extract – For a touch of warmth and flavor.
Cinnamon – Optional, but adds a cozy flavor.
Sugar – Just a little to sweeten the custard.
Butter – To grease the baking dish and add richness.
Powdered Sugar – For dusting on top (optional).
Fresh Fruit – Optional topping, like sliced bananas or berries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your bread into thick slices or cubes. If the bread is slightly stale, that’s perfect — it will soak up the custard even better. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Spread peanut butter on half of the bread slices and jam on the other half. Press them together to make little PB and J sandwiches. If you’re using cubed bread, you can dollop peanut butter and jam between the layers as you add them to the dish. Arrange the sandwiches or cubes in the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. This custard will soak into the bread, giving your casserole its rich, soft texture.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Gently press down the bread to help it soak up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight if you’re making it ahead.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover it, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Step 6: Serve
Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and top with fresh fruit like berries or banana slices. Serve warm and enjoy this fun twist on a classic PB and J!
Tips for Best Results
1. Use Slightly Stale Bread
Fresh bread can become too soft and mushy when soaked in custard. For the best texture, use bread that’s a day or two old. Brioche, challah, or thick white sandwich bread all work beautifully.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Peanut Butter and Jam
The heart of this dish is the classic PB and J flavor, so be generous with your fillings. Spread a thick layer of peanut butter and plenty of jam to make sure every bite is flavorful. If you love a little texture, crunchy peanut butter works just as well as creamy.
3. Let It Soak
For the softest, most custardy casserole, let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you have time, overnight soaking is even better — it allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Customize Your Jam
While grape and strawberry are traditional, feel free to switch things up. Raspberry, apricot, or even mixed berry jam can add a fun twist. You can also use a lower-sugar jam if you want to control sweetness.
5. Add Extra Flavor
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard adds a warm, comforting flavor. You can also stir a spoonful of peanut butter directly into the custard for even more peanut butter goodness.
6. Don’t Overbake
Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. You want the top to be golden and slightly crisp, but the center should still be soft and custardy — not dry.
7. Serve with Toppings
A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, fresh berries, or sliced bananas all make fantastic toppings. This takes your casserole from delicious to unforgettable!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Fresh, Soft Bread
One of the biggest mistakes is using bread that’s too fresh and soft. Fresh bread can turn to mush when soaked in custard, leaving you with a soggy casserole. Instead, use bread that’s at least a day old. Slightly stale bread holds its shape better and absorbs the custard evenly.
2. Skipping the Soaking Time
Don’t rush the process. The bread needs time to fully absorb the egg mixture so every bite is soft and flavorful. If you skip the soaking time or only let it sit for a few minutes, the center might turn out dry while the top gets overcooked. Aim for at least 30 minutes — overnight is even better.
3. Using Too Little Filling
PB and J is all about bold flavor, so don’t be shy with the peanut butter and jam. If you skimp on the filling, the casserole can taste bland and boring. Spread thick layers so the flavor shines through every bite.
4. Overbaking the Casserole
Overbaking can dry out your casserole and make the bread tough. Bake until the top is golden and slightly crisp, but the center should still feel soft and custardy. Start checking around the 35-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
5. Forgetting to Grease the Dish
It’s a simple step, but forgetting to butter or grease your baking dish can cause the casserole to stick, making it harder to serve neatly.
6. Not Balancing the Sweetness
If your jam is very sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar in the custard slightly. This keeps the casserole from becoming overly sugary.
Serving Suggestions
1. Classic Dusting of Powdered Sugar
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the warm casserole adds just the right amount of sweetness and gives it that beautiful, bakery-style finish. It’s simple but always looks and tastes impressive.
2. Drizzle with Extra Peanut Butter and Jam
Take the flavor to the next level by warming a little extra peanut butter and drizzling it over the top right before serving. You can also spoon or drizzle a bit of jam for added fruity flavor. This works especially well if you want to emphasize the PB and J theme.
3. Fresh Fruit for a Bright Touch
Add some freshness to balance the richness by topping the casserole with sliced bananas, strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The fruit adds color, flavor, and a bit of natural sweetness, making every bite even better.
4. Serve with Yogurt or Whipped Cream
For a brunch-worthy spread, serve your casserole with a side of vanilla yogurt or lightly sweetened whipped cream. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the warm, custardy bread and bold PB and J flavors.
5. Pair with Coffee or Milk
This casserole is rich and filling, so a simple drink like hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk makes the perfect pairing. It’s a nostalgic combo for adults and a fun, kid-friendly meal all at once.
6. Turn It Into Dessert
Want to transform this breakfast dish into a dessert? Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of peanut butter caramel sauce. It becomes a decadent treat that’s perfect for parties or holidays.
Storage and Reheating Tips
1. Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover PB and J French Toast Casserole, let it cool completely before storing. Transfer the casserole to an airtight container, or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing for Later
This casserole also freezes well if you want to make it ahead for future breakfasts. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. You can freeze it whole or cut it into portions for easier reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating in the Oven
For the best texture, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top if desired.
4. Quick Reheating in the Microwave
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 to 45 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the bread can become tough.
5. Refresh Before Serving
To bring back some freshness, drizzle a little extra peanut butter or jam on top after reheating. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh fruit can also brighten up reheated slices.
6. Avoid Sogginess
When reheating, avoid adding extra liquid (like syrup) until after the casserole is hot and ready to serve. This helps preserve the custardy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Bread Options
While brioche and challah are popular choices, you can use almost any type of bread you have on hand. French bread, croissants, or even whole wheat bread work well. For a fun twist, try using cinnamon swirl bread to add extra flavor.
2. Different Nut Butters
If you want to switch up the flavors or accommodate allergies, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Each one brings a unique flavor to the casserole.
3. Jam Flavors
Grape and strawberry are the most classic jams for PB and J, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try raspberry, apricot, blueberry, or even fig jam for a gourmet touch. You can even mix two flavors together for extra fun.
4. Add Fresh Fruit
For a more refreshing, fruity twist, layer in sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries between the bread layers. The fruit softens as it bakes and adds extra flavor.
5. Chocolate Lover’s Twist
For a dessert-inspired version, add a layer of chocolate chips between the peanut butter and jam. The chocolate melts into the casserole, making it extra indulgent.
6. Dairy-Free Option
To make this casserole dairy-free, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk and cream. Also, make sure your bread and peanut butter are dairy-free.
7. Gluten-Free Option
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread. Choose a sturdy loaf to ensure it holds up to the custard.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 380 to 420 calories
- Total Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Cholesterol: 110-130mg
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 22-28g
- Protein: 12-15g
Related Recipes
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese — great comfort food to pair with your breakfast casserole.
Mini Pancakes Recipe — another fun breakfast dish that kids will love.
Breakfast Ideas for Kids — more inspiration for family-friendly breakfast recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make PB and J French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake and serve.
2. What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?
Brioche, challah, or thick white sandwich bread works best because they soak up the custard well without falling apart. Slightly stale bread is ideal.
3. Can I use different nut butters?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.