Description
This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast! Soft, custardy bread layered with rich cream cheese and baked with a sweet cinnamon topping — it’s like classic French toast meets cheesecake.
Ingredients
1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
For the topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For serving:
Maple syrup or powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add half of the bread cubes.
2. Scatter the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread.
3. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Pour evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly so all bread is soaked.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and nuts for the topping.
9. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
10. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and set in the middle.
11. Let cool slightly before serving with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
For a fruit twist, add sliced strawberries or blueberries between the bread layers.
Make it the night before for an easy morning bake.
Use challah or croissants for a richer flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: cream cheese french toast casserole, overnight breakfast bake, baked french toast, brunch casserole, make ahead breakfast