Description
A deliciously sweet and creamy French toast casserole with a cream cheese swirl and cinnamon sugar topping, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 18 ounces)
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 0.33 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Dollop spoonfuls of the mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
- Top with remaining bread cubes, then pour the remaining custard mixture over the casserole. Gently press to ensure all bread is fully moistened.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Drizzle or dot the mixture evenly over the casserole surface.
- Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven reaches temperature.
- Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- For best results, let the casserole soak overnight.
- The recipe can be halved for a smaller dish.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg