Description
Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that elevates your brunch experience with its creamy texture and sweet, crunchy topping. This make-ahead casserole combines layers of cubed bread, a rich cream cheese filling, and a hint of cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe allows you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Simply prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for an impressive and satisfying meal that everyone will adore.
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
- 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 with nonstick spray.
- Slice the bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. Spread half of these cubes 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 smooth.
- Add confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, ensuring some cream cheese remains exposed for presentation.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla extract until no lumps remain.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or up to overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove your casserole from the refrigerator while waiting for it to heat up.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, and ground 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 until golden brown on top. Adjust baking time according to how soft you prefer it.
- Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (130g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg