Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish perfect for any brunch or breakfast gathering. The creamy filling combined with a crispy brown sugar crumble makes it an irresistible treat. With the ability to prepare it the night before, this casserole ensures you can enjoy a stress-free morning while impressing your guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep this dish the night before, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time in the morning.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and cinnamon creates a rich, mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Serves up to 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings, holidays, or family breakfasts.
• Versatile Toppings: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with maple syrup or powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
• Easy to Customize: Mix in fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor variations that suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting, gather your essential tools to make the process 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 with whisk attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Nonstick spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the casserole from the pan.
• Mixer: Helps achieve a perfectly smooth cream cheese mixture without lumps.
• Baking pan: A spacious pan allows even cooking and ample room for all ingredients.

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.

Main Ingredients

• 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

Topping Ingredients

• 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

Butter Ingredients

• 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Toppings

• Optional: maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan

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 these cubes into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

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 of vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture randomly over the bread in the pan.
4. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla extract until no lumps remain.
2. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread cubes in the pan.
3. 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). Remove your pan from refrigeration once ready to bake.

Step 5: Make Topping Mixture

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. Evenly sprinkle this topping mixture over the soaked bread.

Step 6: Bake Casserole

Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until golden brown on top. For softer texture, aim for around 45 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Drizzle optional maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving warm. Enjoy!

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Serving Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is simple and delightful. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add a sweet and creamy texture that complements the casserole well.

Drizzled with Syrup

• Maple Syrup: A classic choice, maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the casserole.
• Berry Sauce: A homemade berry sauce can add a tart flavor that balances the richness.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch to each serving.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

Garnished with Nuts

• Pecans: Chopped pecans offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft casserole.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add both crunch and visual appeal.

Save it!

How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To achieve the best results with your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Stale Bread: Using stale or day-old bread helps absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a richer flavor.
• Soak Overnight: Allowing the casserole to soak overnight ensures all flavors meld together for a more delicious dish.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on it while baking; every oven is different. Bake until golden brown but still soft in the center.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for added warmth and depth of flavor.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in some chocolate chips before baking. They melt wonderfully into the casserole.
• Serve Warm: Always serve your casserole warm for the best texture and taste experience.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Crispy Bacon: Savory bacon provides a delicious salty contrast to the sweetness of the casserole. Cook until crispy for best results.
2. Sausage Links: Juicy sausage links can enhance the breakfast vibe and offer heartiness alongside the casserole.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances the richness of the dish. Use seasonal fruits for variety.
4. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy side that complements the main dish well.
5. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and substance, making them a perfect sidekick to this sweet breakfast offering.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake aligns perfectly with brunch themes, adding another layer of sweetness to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale bread: Fresh bread absorbs the egg mixture better and results in a softer texture. Choose a loaf that is slightly day-old or fresh.

• Skipping the refrigeration step: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight helps the flavors meld and ensures a custardy interior. Don’t rush this crucial step!

• Overmixing the cream cheese: Mixing too much can make it difficult to spoon onto the bread. Beat just until smooth for best results.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision; use measuring cups and spoons to ensure correct proportions, especially for the sugar and flour.

• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check for doneness around 45 minutes, but adjust as needed until golden brown on top.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a lid until warmed through, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole:

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

Yes! Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it in the morning for an easy breakfast option.

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough, challah, or any sturdy bread works great. Just avoid overly soft breads like sandwich loaves.

Can I customize my Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole?

Absolutely! Add fruits like berries or bananas, nuts, or spices such as nutmeg for added flavor.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and ensure it’s set in the center. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the middle.

Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

Yes! This casserole serves 12 people and is perfect for brunches or family gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. It’s perfect for a cozy family breakfast or a festive brunch gathering. Try this recipe today and enjoy its comforting flavors!