This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is perfect for any brunch or breakfast gathering. It features delightful layers of sweet cream cheese and a crunchy brown sugar crumble topping. Preparing this dish the night before not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making it ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy Sunday mornings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep this casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, saving you time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, vanilla, and cinnamon creates a rich and comforting taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with maple syrup or dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a perfect finishing touch.
Large Portions: This recipe serves 12, making it great for feeding a crowd at holidays or brunch parties.
Easy to Customize: Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start preparing your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring that your casserole comes out easily after baking.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
Handheld or stand mixer: Makes mixing the cream cheese easy and ensures a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

This baked cream cheese french toast casserole is stuffed with sweet cream cheese and topped with a brown sugar crumble topping. It’s a wonderful recipe for a brunch or breakfast gathering because you can prep the casserole the night before.

Bread Base

1 (12-14 ounce) loaf french bread, sourdough bread, or challah

Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
3 teaspoons (15ml) pure vanilla extract, divided

Egg Custard Mixture

8 large eggs
2 and 1/4 cups (540ml) whole milk
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup (133g) packed light brown sugar

Crumble 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 Toppings

Maple syrup
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3-4 quart oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. Slice the bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. Spread half of the cubes into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment:
1. Beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until completely smooth.
2. Add in the confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes.
4. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until no lumps remain.
2. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread in your baking pan.
3. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the pan from refrigeration while you prepare your crumble topping.

Step 5: Make Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the soaked bread.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until golden brown on top. For softer texture, check at about 45 minutes. Drizzle with optional maple syrup or sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm.

Step 7: Store Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serving Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can elevate your brunch experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this delicious dish.

With Fresh Fruit

Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a fresh and vibrant touch.
Banana Slices – Sweet banana slices bring a creamy texture that complements the casserole.

Drizzled with Syrup

Maple Syrup – A classic choice that adds sweetness and richness.
Honey – A natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with cream cheese.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it enhances the dish’s indulgence.
Flavored Whipped Cream – Consider vanilla or cinnamon whipped cream for an extra touch.

Served with Nuts

Chopped Pecans – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Sliced Almonds – Provides a delicate crunch that pairs well with the softness of the casserole.

How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To achieve the best results with your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, follow these expert tips.

Use Stale Bread – Stale bread absorbs more custard mixture, resulting in a creamier texture.
Soak Overnight – Allowing the casserole to soak overnight ensures maximum flavor infusion.
Control Baking Time – Bake until golden brown but avoid overbaking for a softer center.
Experiment with Spices – Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
Add Chocolate Chips – For a decadent twist, mix in chocolate chips before baking.
Serve Warm – Enjoy it warm out of the oven for the best taste experience.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Crispy Bacon – The savory crunch balances the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
Sausage Links – Juicy sausage links provide hearty protein alongside the sweet dish.
Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a refreshing contrast.
Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your brunch table.
Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad brings freshness, complementing the rich casserole well.
Smoothies – A berry or green smoothie adds a healthy beverage option to your feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the refrigeration: Not allowing the casserole to soak overnight can lead to uneven flavor and texture. Always refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is best for optimal results.
Using low-fat cream cheese: Low-fat cream cheese won’t give you the creamy richness this dish needs. Stick with full-fat brick cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Not cubing the bread properly: Cutting bread into uneven sizes can result in inconsistent baking. Aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure even soaking and cooking.
Overbaking the casserole: Leaving it in the oven too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s golden brown, usually around 45-55 minutes.
Forgetting the toppings: The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle it generously before baking for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Label each container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture; heat until warmed through, checking often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole:

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes! While sourdough or challah are preferred, you can use any bread like brioche or even gluten-free options for a delicious twist.

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

Prep it the night before by assembling everything and refrigerating overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor that complements this breakfast dish perfectly.

Can I customize the filling of my Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add berries, chocolate chips, or nuts into the cream cheese layer for extra flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This casserole serves 12 people, making it ideal for brunches, holidays, or family gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding fruits or spices according to your taste preferences. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy breakfasts at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out!

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Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delectable blend of fluffy bread, rich cream cheese, and a sweet crumble topping that makes for an irresistible breakfast or brunch dish. This make-ahead casserole is perfect for holiday gatherings, family brunches, or cozy Sunday mornings. Prepare it the night before to infuse flavors and save time in the morning. Just pop it in the oven for a golden-brown finish, and serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence. With its creamy filling and crunchy topping, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite.

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and cube the bread.
Beat softened cream cheese with confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth; layer over half of the bread cubes.
Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar; pour over the layered bread.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare crumble topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly; sprinkle on top.
Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until golden brown.

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