This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a Brunch Favorite!

Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is one of those breakfasts that feels a little extra special without being complicated. Soft, custardy bread bakes up golden while pockets of creamy, slightly sweetened cream cheese melts right inside, giving every bite that rich indulgent feel you’d normally expect from a café brunch!

I love this stuff because it’s comforting, cozy, and perfect for slow mornings, holiday breakfasts, or anytime you want something that feels homemade but still a little luxurious – especially with a drizzle of maple syrup on top!

You could also turn this into Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake !

If you love French toast as much as my family does, then I think you’ll love S’mores Overnight French Toast Bake , Overnight French Toast Bake , Stuffed Pumpkin French Toast , Pumpkin French Toast , Pumpkin French Toast Casserole , Baked French Toast Muffins , or Pecan Pie Overnight French Toast !

What You’ll Love About this Recipe

Feels Special Without Extra Effort – Like a brunch-out breakfast made at home!

Pockets of Cream Cheese – Creamy in every bite makes it extra comforting.

Warm & Cozy – Perfect for slow mornings.

Make-Ahead – So you’re not baking first thing in the morning.

Great for Holidays – When everyone is gathered around the table!

Popular – One of those recipes people ask for after the first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the French Toast

1 (12-14 oz) loaf French Bread

1 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened

2 tbsp Powdered Sugar

3 tsp Vanilla

8 Eggs

2 1/4 cups Whole Milk

3/4 tsp Cinnamon

2/3 cup Brown Sugar

And the Crumb Topping

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

1/3 cup Flour

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

6 tbsp Butter, Cold & Cubed

How to Make Baked French Toast with Cream Cheese

Spray 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.

Cube 1 (12-14 oz) loaf French bread into 1″ pieces. Spread half of the cubes into the prepared pan.

In a small bowl, beat together 1 (8 oz) softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp vanilla until well combined.

Drop spoonful’s of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the cubes of bread.

Layer remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese.

In a separate bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 1/4 cups whole milk, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 2 3/4 tsp vanilla together until no lumps remain.

Pour evenly over bread.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove plastic wrap.

In a small bowl, make the crumb topping by adding 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon in a food processor.

Add in 6 tbsp cold and cubed butter. Pulse until crumbs form.

Sprinkle the crumb topping on top.

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Optional: Drizzle maple syrup on individual pieces.

What kind of bread works best?

Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread works best. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.

Can I add fruit to this casserole?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries pair beautifully with cream cheese and add a fresh, slightly tart contrast.

strawberries

How do I know when the casserole is done?

It’s done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the top is lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Can you freeze French Toast Casserole?

Yes. You can freeze it baked or unbaked. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.