Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delightful breakfast or brunch option that will wow your guests? Look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This dish combines the comforting flavors of French toast with a creamy, slightly tangy layer of cream cheese and a sweet, crumbly topping. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for a few days, it’s the ultimate make-ahead dish. Let’s dive into why this casserole is about to become your new favorite recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a good French toast but wants the convenience of a make-ahead dish. It’s perfect for busy mornings, special occasions, holiday breakfasts, or whenever you want to treat yourself or your family to something delicious. With its layers of soft, custardy bread, creamy filling, and sweet crumb topping, this casserole delivers a rich and satisfying experience in every bite. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste!

Ingredients You Will Need

To create this delicious baked French toast casserole, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf of French bread, sourdough, or challah (cubed)
• 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
• 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

For the Crumb Topping:

• 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.

this RECIPE

Choosing the Right Bread for Your Casserole

When it comes to selecting the bread, the choice is yours! The best options are French bread, sourdough, or challah because they are sturdy and can absorb the custard mixture without getting too soggy. These types of bread provide the perfect balance between a soft interior and a slightly crisp exterior. Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preparing the Bread and Cream Cheese Filling

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3-4 quart oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. Cut your chosen bread into 1-inch cubes and spread half of them evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Using a handheld or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Mix in the confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture randomly over the bread layer in the pan.

Next, add the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring some of the cream cheese remains exposed on top for a lovely finish.

2. Mixing the Egg Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and that there are no lumps of brown sugar. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the pan, making sure every piece of bread is well-soaked.

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors, resulting in a more flavorful casserole.

3. Making the Crumb Topping for Extra Crunch

For the crumb topping, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping adds a delightful crunch to your casserole!

4. Assembling the Casserole for Best Results

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. This layer will bake into a deliciously crunchy top.

Baking Tips for Perfect French Toast Casserole

Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. For a softer casserole, bake it for around 45 minutes; if you prefer a firmer texture, aim for the full 55 minutes. The aroma of cinnamon and baked custard will fill your kitchen, signaling that breakfast is almost ready!

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve the casserole warm, drizzled with optional maple syrup or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. For a more decadent touch, add fresh berries or whipped cream on top. This dish looks especially inviting when presented in a colorful casserole dish or garnished with a few mint leaves for a pop of color.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

This casserole is highly versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Add fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas between the layers of bread.
• Incorporate nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread layers for a sweet twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the refrigeration time: Don’t rush this step; the bread needs time to soak up the custard.
• Overbaking the casserole: Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes to avoid drying it out.
• Not using day-old bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy; using stale bread will give you the best results.

FAQs About Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, almond milk, or any other milk of your choice, but it may slightly alter the texture.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• What if I don’t have cream cheese? You can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta, but the flavor and texture will differ.

conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try this weekend, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! Also, make sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

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