How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole
Coffee Cake French Toast Casserole is a cozy dish that effortlessly merges the comforting textures of a classic coffee cake with the heartiness of French toast. Perfectly baked, it features a golden topping that’s delightfully crumbly and sweet, contrasting beautifully with creamy pockets of melted cream cheese. You’ll love how the assorted flavors intensify after chilling overnight, allowing for a hassle-free breakfast that feels decadent without any fuss.
I first stumbled upon this delectable casserole while searching for an easy brunch option, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint! Whether you’re feeding friends on a lazy weekend or preparing a delicious dish for a holiday gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet delightful dish; you’ll definitely want to make it again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: It takes just about 10 minutes to prep, and the oven does the rest!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla will wrap you in warmth each bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful layers of cream cheese and crumb topping make it visually stunning.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or even dessert!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this dish for vegetarian diets or explore gluten-free bread options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; use spooned and leveled flour for accuracy.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the warm notes; use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness; don’t omit, as it rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Keeps the topping rich and buttery; you can mix it with coconut oil for a slightly different taste.
- Nonstick baking spray: Prevents sticking; alternatively, use butter to grease your baking dish.
- 1 pound challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes): Offers a buttery, soft texture; brioche or bakery-style bread works too.
- 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes): Adds richness; ensure it’s softened to blend seamlessly.
- 1 and 1/4 cups milk: Keeps the casserole moist; any type of milk or non-dairy alternative will do.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For a luscious texture; substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative as needed.
- 6 large eggs: Binds and enriches; room temperature eggs yield creamier results.
- 4 large egg yolks: Intensifies the custard-like consistency; for a lighter version, you can use additional whole eggs.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth; always choose pure over imitation for superior flavor.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Contributes sweetness; remember to pack it down for accurate measurement.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Reiterated for flavor in the cream mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional): Deepens the flavor profile; skip if not available.
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted): For the drizzle; always sift to avoid clumps.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus more for serving): Adds a lovely sweetness; pure maple syrup is the best choice here.
- 3 Tablespoons milk: Helps adjust the glaze to the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: For enhancing the glaze flavor.
How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the 1 and 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon together. Stir in the melted 1/2 cup unsalted butter gently until just combined, allowing the mixture to absorb some of the butter and become crumbly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray, making sure to cover it well so nothing sticks.
- Add the Bread: Place the 1 pound of challah bread cubes into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 1 and 1/4 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 6 large eggs, 4 large egg yolks, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder. Whisk until fully blended.
- Combine: Pour this creamy mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaking up that delicious custard. Scatter the 8 ounces cubed cream cheese evenly over the top, ensuring they are nestled among the bread.
- Top it Off: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top, covering the cream cheese and bread.
- Refrigerate: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight—this step is crucial for developing flavor and texture!
- Preheat & Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven, covered with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is firm to the touch.
- Prepare Glaze: As it finishes baking, whisk together the 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
- Serve: Once baked, drizzle the glaze over the hot casserole, adding extra maple syrup as desired before serving!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers at room temperature for a couple of hours; for long-term freshness, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the casserole, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Note that textures may vary slightly, but a drizzle of warm maple syrup brings back that fresh taste.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid sogginess by ensuring your bread is stale enough; a day-old challah is perfect.
- Let the eggs sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to create a fluffier texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bread for perfectly sized cubes, ensuring an even bake throughout.
- If you prefer a crunchier top, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes and watch it closely!
- Don’t skip refrigerating overnight; it allows for a better-absorbed custard and richer flavor.
The blend of soft bread, creamy filling, and sweet glaze comes together in a delightful way—your guests won’t believe how easy it was to create such a comforting dish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While challah bread gives a wonderful texture, you can use brioche, sourdough, or even a gluten-free bread if you prefer. Just ensure it’s a sturdy bread that can absorb the custard without falling apart.
How do I ensure my casserole is not soggy?
Using day-old bread helps prevent sogginess, as it has a chance to dry out slightly. Also, be mindful of baking time—if the edges are golden but the center feels undercooked, you may need a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole the night before, keep it refrigerated, and bake it in the morning. This makes it a perfect choice for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
If you find the glaze too sweet, you can decrease the amount of confectioners’ sugar or add a touch more milk or vanilla extract for balancing flavors. You can also mix in some fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten it up!
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How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole
This Easy French Toast Casserole combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and challah bread in a delicious and simple dish, perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast that everyone will love.
- Prep Time N/A
- Cook Time 90 minutes
- Yield 1 casserole 1x
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted)
- nonstick baking spray
- 1 pound challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 ounces (227g) brick-style cream cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 and 1/4 cups (284ml) milk
- 1 cup (227ml) heavy cream
- 6 large eggs
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1 cup (113g) confectioners' sugar (sifted)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 3 tablespoons (42ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until just combined.
- Let the mixture sit to absorb the butter and become crumbly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Add the bread cubes into the baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional espresso powder until well blended.
- Pour this mixture over the bread cubes. Evenly distribute the cream cheese cubes over the top.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the casserole. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Allow the casserole to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes after removing from the fridge.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until golden and firm in the center.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners' sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla, adding more milk for desired consistency before drizzling over the casserole before serving.
Notes
For best results, refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
You can substitute other types of bread like brioche, if preferred.
Feel free to add fruits like blueberries or bananas for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
