Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a rich, decadent breakfast dish made with soft bread cubes, sweet cream cheese, and a cinnamon-spiced custard.

This overnight-friendly casserole is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a weekend treat. With a crispy golden top and a soft, creamy center, every bite is pure comfort food!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Bread: A sturdy, thick-cut bread like brioche or French bread works best.
• Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy filling that melts into the bread.
• Egg custard: A mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon for the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Serving

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread & Cream Cheese
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Add half of the bread cubes to the dish.
   • Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
   • Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to soak.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
3. Make the Topping
   • In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
   • Sprinkle evenly over the casserole before baking.
4. Bake the Casserole
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
5. Serve
   • Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.
   • Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Chill Time

2 hours (or overnight)

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

3 hours

Nutrition (per serving, ~8 servings)

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Protein: ~9g

Expert Tips

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better for a rich texture.
• Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for the best flavor.
• For Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, then bake fresh in the morning.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Cinnamon Roll Version: Add a drizzle of cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent treat.

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a rich, decadent breakfast dish made with soft bread cubes, sweet cream cheese, and a cinnamon-spiced custard.

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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Casserole
• - 1 loaf brioche or French bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• - 8 oz cream cheese cut into small cubes
• - 6 large eggs
• - 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess
• - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• #### For the Topping
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 cup brown sugar
• - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• #### For Serving
• - Maple syrup
• - Powdered sugar
• - Fresh berries

Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula

Method

 

1. **Prepare the Bread & Cream Cheese**
2. - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. - Add half of the bread cubes to the dish.
4. - Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
5. **Make the Custard Mixture**
6. - In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
7. - Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to soak.
8. - Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
9. **Make the Topping**
10. - In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
11. - Sprinkle evenly over the casserole before baking.
12. **Bake the Casserole**
13. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. - Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
15. **Serve**
16. - Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.
17. - Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.