Cream Cheese French Toast Bake: The Ultimate Brunch Delight
French toast, a beloved breakfast staple, gets a decadent upgrade in this Cream Cheese French Toast Bake. This recipe transforms the classic into a crowd-pleasing, oven-baked masterpiece, perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or any special occasion. Imagine layers of buttery, cinnamon-spiced bread soaked in a rich custard, with pockets of creamy, tangy cream cheese baked to golden perfection. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.
This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal active cooking time. Most of the magic happens in the oven, freeing you up to enjoy time with your family and friends. The cream cheese adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the custard and syrup, while the baking process creates a wonderfully crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior. This French toast bake is customizable too! Feel free to add your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to make it your own.
## Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal active cooking time and is mostly hands-off while it bakes.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** Easily feeds a group, making it ideal for brunches, holidays, or potlucks.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, saving you precious time.
* **Decadent and Delicious:** The combination of creamy cream cheese, rich custard, and crispy bread is simply irresistible.
* **Customizable:** Add your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to create your own unique flavor combinations.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Bread:** 1 loaf of Challah, Brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. These breads are ideal because they are sturdy and absorb the custard well without becoming soggy. Day-old bread is actually preferable, as it soaks up the custard even better.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. Using softened cream cheese is crucial for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the bake. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if preferred.
* **Eggs:** 6 large. Eggs are the base of the custard and provide structure and richness.
* **Milk:** 2 cups. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup. Heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess to the custard. You can substitute with half-and-half if you want a slightly lighter version.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/2 cup. Sugar sweetens the custard and helps create a golden-brown crust.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard and adds a warm, aromatic note.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter:** For greasing the baking dish. Butter prevents the French toast bake from sticking to the dish and adds a touch of richness.
* **Optional Toppings:** Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Knife and cutting board
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the Cream Cheese French Toast Bake! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Bread**
* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using day-old bread, this step will be even easier. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and let them air dry for about 30 minutes. This helps them absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can lightly toast the bread cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
**Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling**
* In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This ensures that the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the bake and doesn’t clump up. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step, but a whisk will also work just fine.
**Step 3: Prepare the Custard**
* In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This creates the rich and flavorful custard that will soak into the bread.
**Step 4: Assemble the French Toast Bake**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This prevents the French toast bake from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve.
* Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
* Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, distributing it evenly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; the heat of the oven will help it melt and spread.
* Top with the remaining bread cubes, again spreading them evenly.
* Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the custard. If you have time, let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. This will result in a softer, more custardy bake. For an even better result, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
**Step 5: Bake the French Toast Bake**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If you refrigerated the French toast bake overnight, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help it bake more evenly.
* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
**Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve**
* Remove the French toast bake from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set completely and makes it easier to cut and serve.
* Slice the French toast bake into squares and serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, if desired.
## Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
* **Use the Right Bread:** As mentioned earlier, Challah, Brioche, or French bread are the best choices for this recipe. They are sturdy enough to hold their shape and absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking Time:** Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, is crucial for a soft, custardy interior.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth, creamy mixture that is easy to spread.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry, tough French toast bake. Bake until the top is golden brown and the custard is set, but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and even a drizzle of caramel sauce are all delicious options.
* **Make it Ahead:** This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the French toast bake the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests.
## Variations and Additions
* **Fruit:** Add sliced bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to the French toast bake for a fruity twist. Layer the fruit between the bread cubes or sprinkle it on top before baking.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts to the French toast bake for a crunchy texture. Sprinkle them on top before baking.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips to the French toast bake for a decadent treat. Layer them between the bread cubes or sprinkle them on top before baking.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice, to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Liqueur:** Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, or Frangelico, to the custard for an extra touch of flavor.
* **Savory French Toast Bake:** For a savory version, omit the sugar and vanilla extract from the custard. Add shredded cheese, cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables to the French toast bake.
## Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some complementary sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Maple Syrup:** A classic topping for French toast.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
* **Fresh Berries:** Provide a burst of freshness and color.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a light and airy touch.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** For a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the French toast bake.
* **Fruit Salad:** A refreshing and healthy side dish.
* **Yogurt:** A creamy and tangy accompaniment.
* **Coffee or Tea:** The perfect beverages to enjoy with brunch.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Cream Cheese French Toast Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the French toast bake, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Recipe
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf Challah, Brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Butter, for greasing the baking dish
* Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Spread bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and let air dry for 30 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
5. Place half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, distributing it evenly.
7. Top with the remaining bread cubes, again spreading them evenly.
8. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to saturate all the bread. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
9. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. Let the French toast bake rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
11. Slice the French toast bake into squares and serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Cream Cheese French Toast Bake! It’s the perfect way to start your day or celebrate a special occasion. The combination of creamy cream cheese, rich custard, and crispy bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!