Imagine waking up to a breakfast so decadent, so irresistibly creamy, that it transforms your ordinary morning into a culinary celebration. This Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is not just a recipe—it's a morning miracle that will have your family racing to the breakfast table. Packed with rich, velvety cream cheese and soft brioche bread, this dish turns the classic French toast into an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing sensation that's guaranteed to become your new weekend breakfast tradition.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch thick cubes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the bread cubes, spreading it as evenly as possible.
- Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, ensuring all cubes are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow bread to fully absorb the mixture.
- Remove foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality brioche bread for the best texture and flavor. Fresh, slightly stale bread works best for absorbing the egg mixture.
- Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- For extra richness, use whole milk or even half-and-half instead of low-fat milk.
- Let the assembled dish rest for 15 minutes before baking to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid mixture.
- Cover with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the top from burning while ensuring the center cooks evenly.
- For a beautiful golden top, remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Customize by adding fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon before baking.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
