Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that’s sure to impress at any brunch gathering. This creamy, decadent dish features layers of soft bread and a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar crumble. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time, letting you savor your morning without the morning rush. Serve it warm with maple syrup or fresh berries for an unforgettable breakfast experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- optional: maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3-4 quart oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. Slice the bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. Spread half of the cubes evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Add in the confectioners' sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Drop random spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the bread cubes. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top so that some cream cheese remains exposed.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until no lumps remain. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove your baking pan from the refrigerator while preparing your topping.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake uncovered for about 45–55 minutes or until golden brown on top. If you prefer it softer, aim for closer to 45 minutes. Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners' sugar before serving warm.
- Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 344mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 210mg