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Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Easy Cozy Sunday Breakfast Idea

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A cozy and indulgent baked French toast casserole with a luscious maple cream cheese drizzle, perfect for slow, comforting weekend mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old bread (challah, brioche, or sturdy white bread)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for drizzle consistency)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (approx. 225g) of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet to dry a little if they’re too fresh. (5 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and sugar dissolves. Add melted 3 tbsp unsalted butter and mix gently. (5 minutes)
  3. Place bread cubes into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing down lightly with a spatula. Let sit at least 20 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper soak. (20-30 minutes or overnight)
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes until top is golden brown and firm with slightly crispy edges. A knife inserted should come out clean but moist. (40-45 minutes)
  5. While baking, soften 4 oz cream cheese in microwave for 20-30 seconds. In a small bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1-2 tbsp milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk for desired consistency. (5 minutes)
  6. Once casserole is out of oven and slightly cooled, drizzle maple cream cheese over top or serve on the side. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent mushiness. Let bread soak in custard at least 20 minutes or overnight for best texture. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Maple cream cheese drizzle is best made just before serving. Can substitute dairy-free milk and cream cheese for dairy-free option. Variations include adding fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast casserole, cozy breakfast, maple cream cheese drizzle, easy brunch recipe, weekend breakfast, custardy French toast

Find it online: https://avabake.com/baked-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-cozy-sunday-breakfast-idea/