Save Indulge in the ultimate morning treat with this Caramel Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This decadent overnight brunch dish combines the buttery richness of brioche bread with a velvety cream cheese filling, all resting on a luxurious homemade caramel base. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a delightful contrast between a crisp, sugary topping and a soft, custardy center.
Pin it The magic of this casserole lies in its layers. By letting the bread soak in the vanilla-infused custard overnight, every bite becomes saturated with flavor. As it bakes, the caramel sauce at the bottom bubbles up, glazing the bread and creating a gooey, irresistible finish that pairs perfectly with the creamy dollops of cream cheese hidden throughout.
Ingredients
- Bread & Dairy: 1 loaf (about 500 g) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 6 large eggs; 360 ml (1½ cups) whole milk; 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream; 120 g (½ cup) granulated sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt.
- Caramel Sauce: 200 g (1 cup) light brown sugar, packed; 120 g (½ cup) unsalted butter; 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream.
- Topping: 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt brown sugar and butter, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbling, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a greased 23x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Step 2
- Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly over the caramel layer.
- Step 3
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese over the bread layer, spreading gently but leaving some dollops.
- Step 4
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Step 5
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour evenly over the bread and cream cheese layers, pressing gently to soak.
- Step 6
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Step 7
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
- Step 8
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 9
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the center. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Step 10
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with extra caramel sauce or fresh berries.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use stale bread as it is more effective at absorbing the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before assembling. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature so it can be easily dolloped and spread over the bread layers.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can customize this casserole by adding chopped pecans or walnuts between the bread layers for a crunchy texture. For a slightly lighter version, feel free to substitute the heavy cream in the egg mixture with half-and-half. If you want to add a fruity twist, scattering a handful of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries over the top after baking provides a lovely tartness.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this indulgent French toast warm from the oven to keep the caramel sauce gooey. It pairs excellently with a side of fresh seasonal fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness. For a complete brunch experience, consider serving it alongside a light mimosa or a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Pin it This Caramel Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a guaranteed showstopper for any breakfast table. Its combination of rich textures and warm flavors makes it a memorable treat that family and friends will request again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different bread instead of brioche?
Yes, challah works beautifully as a substitute. French bread or thick-cut white sandwich bread are also good options, though they may absorb liquid differently and yield a slightly lighter texture.
- → How long should this refrigerate before baking?
For best results, refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. Minimum chilling time is 6 hours, but longer resting yields a creamier interior and better texture.
- → Can I freeze this assembled but unbaked?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- → Why did my center turn out soggy?
This usually means the bread wasn't stale enough or the dish wasn't baked long enough. Using day-old bread and baking until the center is set and puffy (not jiggly) ensures proper texture.
- → Can I prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, make the caramel up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before pouring into the baking dish to ensure it spreads evenly.
- → What toppings work well with this casserole?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped pecans or walnuts, warm maple syrup, or additional warm caramel sauce all complement the rich flavors. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.