This Maple Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and comforting. It's a delightful twist on traditional French toast, with layers of soft bread soaked in a rich maple cream cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a holiday gathering!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 8 cups, cubed)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
Prep the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Cube the French bread and spread it evenly in the prepared dish.
Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the maple syrup and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold this mixture into the egg custard, ensuring it's well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread, pressing the bread down slightly to ensure it’s soaked. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Bake:
- Once ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and place it in the preheated oven. Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top.
Tips for Success
- Overnight Option: This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings or holiday meals. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
- Add Toppings: Top with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Make it Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, feel free to omit the brown sugar or use a maple-flavored syrup instead.
Maple Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your morning cravings with its sweet, creamy goodness.
