If you love mornings filled with cozy warmth and comforting flavors, then you absolutely have to try this Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s everything you want in a breakfast that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Imagine soft, custardy bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, layered with luscious dollops of creamy, tangy cream cheese, and topped with a buttery, sweet crumble that bakes to golden perfection. This dish brings together the best of texture and flavor in one beautiful, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to a truly spectacular start to the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe starts with simple, carefully chosen ingredients that each add their own special touch. From the sturdy yet tender bread to the creamy texture of the cream cheese, and the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla, every component works in harmony to build layers of delightful flavor and inviting aromas.
- French bread, sourdough, or challah (12–14 ounce loaf): Choose a bread that’s sturdy enough to hold custard but softens into a perfectly tender texture when baked.
- Full-fat brick cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This adds a rich, tangy creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the sweet custard.
- Confectioners’ sugar (2 Tablespoons): Gentle sweetness that blends effortlessly into the cream cheese for a smooth, luscious layer.
- Pure vanilla extract (3 teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant and mellow sweetness.
- Large eggs (8): The foundation of the custard, making the casserole wonderfully rich and silky.
- Whole milk (2 and 1/4 cups): Gives the custard a creamy base and helps soak the bread perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (¾ teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon for topping): Adds warmth and spice that is the heart of any great French toast experience.
- Light brown sugar (2/3 cup + 1/3 cup): Provides deep, caramel notes throughout the custard and crumble topping.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup, spooned and leveled): Key for the crumble, giving it a perfect crumbly texture.
- Unsalted butter (6 Tablespoons, cold and cubed): Used in the topping to create a golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.
- Optional: Maple syrup and/or confectioners’ sugar for topping: Adds extra sweetness and a lovely finish when serving.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), which sets the perfect baking environment for this casserole to become golden and bubbly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with nonstick spray to ensure your masterpiece releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Cut and Layer the Bread
Cut your loaf of bread into cubes — roughly bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the custard goodness without falling apart. Layer half of these cubes evenly in the prepared pan, creating a sturdy base that will soak up flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Dollops
Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth, then incorporate the confectioners’ sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drop spoonfuls of this sweet cream cheese mixture over the first bread layer; this little surprise layer will add creamy pockets of flavor. Then, top with the remaining bread cubes, ready to soak up the custard.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, remaining two teaspoons of vanilla, the ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the 2/3 cup light brown sugar until everything’s smooth and combined. This custard mixture is what gives the casserole its rich, soft texture. Pour it evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese in the pan. Cover carefully and refrigerate for at least three hours, or better yet overnight, so the bread can soak in all those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Before baking, mix together the 1/3 cup brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it becomes crumbly — this topping will create the perfect sweet, buttery crust that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Glorious
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked casserole and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that’s slightly crisp, while inside the casserole remains soft and custardy. The kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma that’s hard to resist!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, dress your casserole simply yet beautifully. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds that charming, snowy touch, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup brings a deep, sweet richness that complements the cinnamon and cream cheese flawlessly. Fresh berries or sliced bananas make a bright, fresh garnish option as well.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a standalone star, but pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad can balance the richness. For those who enjoy savory contrasts, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side lends smoky, salty notes that elevate the entire meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the pan family-style for a cozy gathering or individually scoop into pretty bowls with little spoons for a brunch party. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist that guests will rave about. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe will keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the topping from becoming soggy. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Frozen casserole can be kept for up to two months without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute or until warm, or place the entire dish in a 325°F (163°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. For the best texture on top, remove the foil during the last five minutes to re-crisp the crumble topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread, sourdough, and challah are recommended for their texture and flavor, brioche or even sturdy sandwich bread can work well. Just make sure to use a bread that will soak up the custard without falling apart.
Do I have to soak the casserole overnight?
While soaking overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and custard absorption, a minimum of three hours in the refrigerator still delivers delicious results. Longer soaking gives a creamier, custard-like center.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For eggs, flax or chia egg replacers can be experimented with, but texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the crumble topping extra crispy?
Make sure your butter is cold when mixing into the crumble, and don’t skip the flour—it gives structure to the topping. Baking uncovered lets the topping crisp nicely, and finishing with a quick broil for one to two minutes at the end can add even more crunch.
Is this casserole suitable for serving a crowd?
This recipe serves 12, making it fantastic for large family breakfasts or brunches. It’s easy to multiply the ingredients slightly if you need to feed an even bigger group, and the dish can be fully prepped the night before for less stress on the day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a warm, homemade Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe ready to dive into. It combines comfort, indulgence, and simplicity in a way that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether for a holiday celebration or a weekend treat, I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and indulgent baked French toast casserole featuring layers of cubed bread and creamy sweetened cream cheese, soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble, perfect for a decadent brunch or breakfast.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah
- 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 and 1/4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
Crumble Topping
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings
- maple syrup
- confectioners’ sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the casserole.
- Prepare Bread Layers: Cut the bread into cubes. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking pan as the base layer.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Layer: In a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the base layer of bread cubes. Then, top with the remaining bread cubes to form the top layer.
- Prepare Custard and Soak: Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar until smooth. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and cold cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the soaked bread layers before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, top with maple syrup and/or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For best texture, use stale or day-old bread to prevent sogginess.
- Soaking the casserole overnight improves flavor and custard absorption.
- The crumble topping adds a delightful sweet crunch; do not skip it.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for a richer dish.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Maple syrup and confectioners’ sugar are optional but enhance sweetness and presentation.
