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Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole for Effortless Brunch

Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead dish combining creamy richness with sweet flavors, perfect for brunch gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Refrigeration Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 8 slices French Bread, Sourdough, or Challah A sturdy base that holds the custard well for an ideal texture.
  • 8 ounces Full-Fat Brick Cream Cheese Adds a rich and creamy element; soften it for easy mixing.
  • 2 tablespoons Confectioners' Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese, balancing the dish’s flavors beautifully.
  • 3 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract Elevates the overall taste; opt for pure for the best results.
  • 8 large Eggs Essential for binding and adding structure to your casserole.
  • 2.25 cups Whole Milk Ensures a rich custard base that complements the other ingredients.
  • 0.75 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Introduces warmth and spice; feel free to adjust to your liking.
  • 0.67 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness to both the custard and the crumble topping.
  • 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour Helps hold the topping together; ensure it’s measured correctly.
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Creates a crumbly texture for the topping; keep it chilled for best results.
For Serving
  • Maple Syrup and/or Confectioners' Sugar Enhance sweetness and presentation when serving your casserole.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Pastry cutter

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly at the bottom of the dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  3. Carefully add the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese mixture, pressing down gently.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining milk, ground cinnamon, brown sugar (2/3 cup), and remaining vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  5. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
  7. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar (1/3 cup), all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  8. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole and sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months, reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

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