Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast delight. Perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings, this dish combines fluffy bread with a luscious cream cheese filling, all crowned with a sweet brown sugar crumble. You can prepare it the night before, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
• Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
• Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture
• Step 4: Bake
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Serve with Fresh Fruit
• Drizzle with Syrups
• Add Whipped Topping
• Garnish with Nuts
• How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
• What type of bread works best?
• Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese?
• How do I know when it’s done baking?
• Can I add fruits or nuts to the casserole?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, saving precious minutes on busy mornings.
• Deliciously Indulgent: The creamy filling and crunchy topping create an irresistible contrast that everyone will love.
• Flexible Ingredients: Use your choice of bread—french, sourdough, or challah—to customize the flavor and texture.
• Great for Gatherings: This recipe serves 12, making it perfect for family brunches or holiday celebrations.
• Versatile Topping Options: Serve with maple syrup or powdered sugar to add an extra touch of sweetness.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Nonstick spray
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Handheld or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and clean-up.
• Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth cream cheese mixture quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients evenly without lumps.

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.

• 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 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: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

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

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until no lumps remain.
2. Pour this egg 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 results.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the pan from refrigeration before baking:
1. In a medium bowl, 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 crumble evenly over the soaked bread mixture.
4. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Serve

Drizzle with optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm! Enjoy every bite of your delicious Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Mixed Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing touch.
• Banana Slices: Sweet banana slices pair well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
• Sliced Peaches: Seasonal peaches bring a juicy sweetness that complements the dish.

Drizzle with Syrups

• Maple Syrup: Classic and sweet, maple syrup enhances the overall flavor.
• Berry Compote: A homemade berry compote brings a tangy twist to each bite.
• Chocolate Sauce: For those who love a treat, chocolate sauce adds indulgence.

Add Whipped Topping

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, homemade whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the casserole’s texture.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract for a unique taste.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch and richness, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile.
• Sliced Almonds: Almonds provide a delicate nutty flavor that pairs nicely with cream cheese.

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How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

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

• Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a more flavorful casserole.
• Let It Sit Overnight: Allowing it to soak overnight ensures each bite is infused with flavor and moisture.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until golden brown; if unsure, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruits for extra flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing your casserole with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein and balance out the sweetness of the casserole.
2. Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the french toast.
3. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages provide hearty flavors that enhance your brunch spread.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for a light yet satisfying side option.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns provide texture and are loved by many at breakfast time.
6. Cinnamon Rolls: For those who adore sweet treats, cinnamon rolls add an extra layer of indulgence to your brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a baked cream cheese french toast casserole, avoiding common mistakes can ensure a delicious result. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using stale bread – Fresh bread absorbs the custard better. Choose a loaf that is slightly firm but not old.
• Skipping the refrigeration – Failing to refrigerate the casserole allows it to dry out. Always let it soak for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure correct amounts.
• Overbaking the casserole – This can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it and remove when golden brown.
• Ignoring toppings – The crumble topping adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; it enhances the overall dish.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions on high for 30-60 seconds, checking regularly.
• Stovetop – Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the baked cream cheese french toast 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 for optimal flavor.

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough, challah, or any sturdy bread works well. Just ensure it’s fresh!

Can I substitute low-fat cream cheese?

You may use low-fat cream cheese, but full-fat gives a richer flavor and creamier texture.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

It should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I add fruits or nuts to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This baked cream cheese french toast casserole is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any gathering. Customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, like fruits or nuts, to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy this comforting dish as part of your brunch spread or anytime you want something special!