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Creamy Overnight French Toast Bake Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Swirl

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A simple and cozy overnight French toast casserole featuring a rich cream cheese swirl, perfect for a fuss-free breakfast or brunch. The bread soaks overnight for a custardy, fluffy texture with pockets of creamy sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half with coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (half a loaf) of day-old brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar until silky smooth using a hand mixer or whisk.
  4. Pour half of the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down to soak up the liquid.
  5. Dollop the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls over the bread, then pour the remaining custard over the top.
  6. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the custard and bread mixture, creating visible ribbons.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set (toothpick should come out mostly clean).
  9. Let the bake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or nuts.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture to avoid sogginess. Be gentle when swirling cream cheese to keep visible pockets. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, overnight French toast, cream cheese swirl, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole, custardy French toast

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-overnight-french-toast-bake-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-swirl/