Description
This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish that can be prepared ahead of time. Creamy, sweetened cream cheese is layered between cubes of bread soaked in a vanilla-infused custard, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread:
- 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 teaspoons (15ml) pure vanilla extract, divided
Custard:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup (133g) packed light brown sugar
Crumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice and cube the bread. Layer half of the cubes in a greased baking dish.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon over bread layer.
- Assemble: Top with remaining bread cubes. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Pour over the bread. Refrigerate.
- Make Crumb Topping: Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter. Sprinkle over soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 45-55 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup or confectioners’ sugar. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead or freeze for later.
- Quality cream cheese is crucial for the best flavor.
- Day-old bread works best for absorbing the custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 375
- Sugar: Approx. 25g
- Sodium: Approx. 300mg
- Fat: Approx. 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 10g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 160mg
