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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Maple Cream Cheese Filling for Perfect Breakfast

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A cozy and forgiving overnight French toast casserole featuring a custardy bread base with a luscious maple cream cheese filling, perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, toast cubes lightly at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry slightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with maple syrup, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and frothy.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  5. Dollop the maple cream cheese filling over the bread in spoonfuls and gently spread, leaving some pockets of filling.
  6. Top with remaining bread cubes.
  7. Slowly pour custard mixture evenly over bread layers, pressing gently to help bread absorb custard.
  8. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  9. In the morning, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts; sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until custard is set and top is golden brown.
  11. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah to avoid sogginess. Toast fresh bread cubes to improve custard absorption. Do not skip the overnight soak for best texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Topping adds texture contrast and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, maple cream cheese filling, easy breakfast casserole, holiday brunch, make ahead breakfast

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