Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

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This Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a delightful combination of creamy, custard-soaked bread with a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch, it’s a recipe you can prepare ahead of time for stress-free hosting. With a touch of cinnamon, creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese, and a golden-brown finish, this dish is sure to please a crowd.

Rich and Decadent French Toast Bake

French toast takes on a whole new level of deliciousness when it’s baked and layered with rich cream cheese. The bread cubes soak up a cinnamon-spiced egg custard overnight, making it ultra flavorful and tender. The addition of a sweet crumb topping gives it a perfect contrast in texture.

No need to stand at the stove flipping individual slices—this French toast casserole is baked all at once for an easy yet indulgent breakfast. Plus, the best part? You can prepare it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven!

This dish is creamy, sweet, and irresistibly comforting with its perfect balance of crunchy, soft, and creamy layers.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

To make this decadent French toast casserole, you’ll need a variety of simple, yet flavorful ingredients that combine for a rich, creamy, and satisfying breakfast dish. Each component plays a role in creating a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture.

• French Bread or Sourdough – A hearty loaf of French bread, sourdough, or challah provides the structure for the casserole. Choose a day-old loaf for the best results, as it absorbs the custard better.
• Cream Cheese – Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature, adds a rich, creamy layer to the dish.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Just a touch of powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese, adding a light sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Used in both the cream cheese mixture and the custard, vanilla adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Eggs – Eggs form the base of the custard, helping the bread soak up the creamy mixture and hold the casserole together.
• Whole Milk – Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the custard, making the French toast tender and flavorful.
• Ground Cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and spice, complementing the sweetness of the dish.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brown sugar provides sweetness to both the custard and crumb topping, and adds a hint of caramel flavor.

Ingredients for Crumb Topping

The crumb topping gives the casserole a delicious crunchy finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brown Sugar – Packed light brown sugar gives the topping a deep, sweet flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Flour adds structure to the topping, creating a crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft casserole.
• Ground Cinnamon – More cinnamon to enhance the flavor of the topping and complement the cinnamon in the custard.
• Unsalted Butter – Cold, cubed butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create a buttery, crispy topping.

How to Make the Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

Creating this French toast casserole is an easy process that involves layering, soaking, and baking for a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Here’s how to make it step by step:

1. Prepare the Bread Base
   Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Slice the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread half of them into the prepared dish.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
   Use a handheld or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the confectioners’ sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top.
3. Mix the Custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and the remaining vanilla until smooth and lump-free. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping
   To make the crumb topping, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble and Bake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown on top. If you prefer a softer texture, bake for 45 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the French toast casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup or dusted with confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

How Long to Bake Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

The baking time for this Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is fairly flexible, allowing you to achieve your preferred level of softness or crispiness. It’s important to monitor the casserole toward the end of baking to ensure it reaches your desired texture.

Follow these guidelines for the perfect bake:

• Bake Time: The casserole should bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45-55 minutes. If you prefer a softer texture, remove it from the oven around 45 minutes, or let it bake closer to 55 minutes for a more golden, crisp top.
• Visual Cue: You’ll know the casserole is done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the bread has soaked up the custard fully without being overly dry. The edges should be firm while the center remains slightly soft.
• Crumb Topping: The crumb topping should also be lightly browned and crispy, adding a satisfying crunch to the soft, custardy base.

How to Store Leftovers

This casserole makes excellent leftovers that you can enjoy for a few days. Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• In the Freezer: You can also freeze this French toast casserole for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Tips:

• To Reheat: For individual portions, microwave on medium heat until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed thoroughly. You can cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from getting too crispy during reheating.

Cooking Tips for the Best Baked French Toast Casserole

• Rest Time After Baking: Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will allow the custard to set and makes slicing easier.
• Prepare Ahead: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the casserole overnight. This gives the bread ample time to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
• Customize the Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.

This baked French toast casserole is a perfect combination of creamy, custardy bread and a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping—great for special occasions or weekend brunch!

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