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Overnight Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

Overnight Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 6 hours 65 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread substitution)

Description

Delight in a creamy, easy Overnight Cream Cheese French Toast Bake that combines the velvety richness of cream cheese with fluffy custard-soaked bread, baked to golden perfection overnight. Perfect for busy mornings and special brunches, this make-ahead dish is effortlessly prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, offering a balanced sweetness with hints of maple syrup and cinnamon. Customize with your favorite breads, fruits, or toppings to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Cream Cheese

  • 6 cups sturdy white or brioche bread, cut into cubes
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing and dotting on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread and Cream Cheese Layers: Cut your chosen bread into cubes and evenly place half of them into a greased casserole dish. Dot with small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top to create a thick, inviting base.
  2. Whisk the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup or sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth. This custard will soak into the bread and soften it while baking.
  3. Pour and Press: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese, pressing slightly to ensure the bread absorbs as much liquid as possible. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  4. Refrigerate Overnight: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover, dot the top with small pieces of butter if desired, and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread to hold custard better and prevent sogginess.
  • Soften cream cheese to room temperature before dotting to ensure smooth texture.
  • Cover the dish tightly when refrigerating overnight to prevent drying.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or streusel topping before baking for extra crunch.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispy top and creamy inside.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Overnight French toast bake, cream cheese French toast, make-ahead breakfast, casserole, brunch recipe, creamy French toast, baked French toast

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Find it online: https://dishesbyme.com/overnight-cream-cheese-french-toast-bake/