Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf (14–16 ounces) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping

• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For Serving

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect make-ahead breakfast
• Rich, creamy cheesecake-like bites
• Great for holidays and brunch gatherings
• Easy to prepare the night before
• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
• Bakery-quality results at home

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Scatter half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread.

Repeat with the remaining bread and cream cheese.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread.

Press the bread down gently so it absorbs the liquid.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Step 4: Make the Streusel

In a medium bowl combine:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Step 5: Bring to Room Temperature

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the prepared streusel evenly over the casserole.

This creates a sweet, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes.

The casserole is done when:

• The top is golden brown
• The center is set
• A knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean

For a softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes.

For a firmer casserole, bake closer to 50 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Dust generously with powdered sugar.

Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Flavor Variations

Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast

Add:

• 1½ cups fresh blueberries between the bread layers

Strawberry Cheesecake Version

Add:

• 1½ cups sliced strawberries

Apple Cinnamon Version

Add:

• 2 cups diced apples tossed with cinnamon

Pumpkin Spice Version

Replace:

• ½ cup milk with pumpkin puree

Add:

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Chocolate Chip Version

Add:

• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Tips for Success

Use Day-Old Bread

Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and prevents a soggy casserole.

Don’t Skip the Overnight Chill

The resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for the best texture.

Cut Cream Cheese into Small Cubes

Small cubes distribute evenly and create creamy pockets throughout the casserole.

Cover If Browning Too Quickly

If the top becomes too dark, loosely tent with foil during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Overnight Method

Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight.

Bake fresh the next morning.

Freezer Method

Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger portions in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with:

• Crispy bacon
• Breakfast sausage
• Fresh fruit salad
• Yogurt parfaits
• Coffee or cappuccino
• Fresh orange juice

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

(Values are approximate.)

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with rich cheesecake-like bites, this Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a brunch favorite that combines the best of French toast and cheesecake in one irresistible dish. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings, it’s a recipe everyone will request again and again.