This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with the comforting flavors of French toast. Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions, this casserole can be prepared the night before, making it an easy choice for busy mornings. The combination of sweet cream cheese and a crunchy brown sugar topping makes this recipe stand out.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: You can assemble it the night before, saving time in the morning.
Rich Flavor: The creamy filling paired with cinnamon and vanilla creates an irresistible taste.
Feeds a Crowd: Serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
Customizable Toppings: Top with syrup or powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Versatile Ingredients: Use any type of bread you prefer, such as challah or sourdough.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nonstick spray
9×13-inch baking pan or 3-4 quart oven-safe dish
Handheld or stand mixer
Whisk
Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking, making it easier to serve your casserole.
Baking pan: A quality pan ensures even cooking and browning.
Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, you will need:

1 (12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah
8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar (do not leave out)
3 teaspoons (15ml) pure vanilla extract, divided
8 large eggs
2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup (133g) packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
optional: maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

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 evenly into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese Filling

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 of vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture on top of the bread cubes. Layer the remaining bread on top.

Step 3: Combine Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until no lumps remain. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Once preheated, remove the baking pan from the refrigerator.

Step 5: Make Brown Sugar 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.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden brown on top. If you prefer a softer texture, check at around 45 minutes. Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.

Step 7: Store Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Enjoy reheating them for breakfast!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serving your baked cream cheese french toast casserole can elevate your brunch or breakfast experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this delicious dish.

Classic Toppings

Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over each serving for a sweet touch.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Fresh Fruit

Berries: Add a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for freshness and color.
Banana Slices: Top with sliced bananas for added sweetness and texture.

Yogurt Pairing

Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and a tangy flavor.
Flavored Yogurt: Offer flavored yogurts like vanilla or berry for variety.

Whipped Cream

Fresh Whipped Cream: Top with homemade whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option that adds tropical flair.

How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To ensure your baked cream cheese french toast casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the Right Bread: Using stale bread or day-old bread will help it absorb the egg mixture better.
Prep the Night Before: As suggested, refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife; it should come out clean when the casserole is done baking.
Customize Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange for unique taste variations.
Let It Rest After Baking: Allow to cool slightly before serving; this helps set the layers and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your baked cream cheese french toast casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options.

Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
Sausage Links: Serve savory sausage links alongside to add hearty protein to your meal.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the casserole.
Breakfast Potatoes: Roasted or seasoned breakfast potatoes provide a satisfying side option.
Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl adds health benefits and vibrant flavors to your brunch table.
Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer additional protein and pair well with any breakfast dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, it’s easy to overlook small details that can make a big difference. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Skipping the overnight soak: Not allowing the casserole to soak overnight can result in unevenly cooked bread. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is best.
Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or eggs can lead to a lumpy mixture. Always use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth batter.
Neglecting to grease the pan: Forgetting to grease your baking dish can cause the casserole to stick and break apart. Use nonstick spray generously before adding the bread.
Overbaking: Cooking the casserole too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on it and take it out when it’s golden brown on top, usually around 45-55 minutes.
Not customizing flavors: Sticking strictly to the recipe can limit your creativity. Feel free to add fruits, nuts, or different spices like nutmeg for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for best results.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and reheat covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes or until hot.
Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious casserole.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it the night before and let it soak in the fridge. This enhances the flavors and saves time.

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough bread, challah, or any thick-cut bread works wonderfully for this recipe. They absorb the custard well.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top and set in the middle. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.

Is there a way to customize this casserole?

Absolutely! You can add fruits like berries or bananas, nuts, or even chocolate chips for a twist on flavor.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a delightful breakfast experience.

Final Thoughts

The Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is not only incredibly satisfying but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether serving it at brunch or enjoying it as a cozy breakfast treat, you can easily customize this recipe with your favorite toppings or flavors. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a luscious breakfast treat that effortlessly combines the indulgence of cream cheese with the comforting flavors of classic French toast. Ideal for brunch gatherings or quiet family mornings, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time, allowing busy cooks to enjoy more time with their guests. With its sweet cream cheese filling and crunchy brown sugar topping, it’s sure to impress at any table. Serve it warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (12-14 oz) French bread, sourdough, or challah
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
8 large eggs
2 and 1/4 cups whole milk
2/3 cup light brown sugar
3 tsp pure vanilla extract
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
optional: maple syrup and/or confectioners' sugar for topping

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Cube the bread and layer half in the pan.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; add confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Spoon mixture over bread cubes. Top with remaining bread.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar; pour over bread layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 3–4 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for topping; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until golden brown on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American