If you love cozy mornings and crave a dish that feels like a warm hug, this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine soft, custardy brioche bread nestled under layers of luscious cream cheese and bursts of fresh fruit, all baked to golden perfection with a crumbly cinnamon topping. It’s the perfect breakfast (or brunch) that you can prepare the night before, so you wake up to the irresistible aroma of something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe combines comfort, sweet freshness, and a touch of indulgence for a dish that’s as simple to make as it is unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe plays a crucial role, from the buttery brioche that offers a soft base, to the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, and the vibrant fruit that brings bursts of natural flavor and color. Together, they create a balance of textures and tastes that make this dish so memorable.
- Brioche bread: A rich, buttery loaf that soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- Whipped cream cheese: Adds creamy tang and luxurious texture to the layers.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without clumping.
- Vanilla bean paste: Provides warm, aromatic vanilla flavor that enhances the whole dish.
- Fresh fruit: Brings natural sweetness and a pop of color—strawberries, blueberries, or peaches work beautifully.
- Jam: A fruity layer alternative that adds concentrated flavor and sweetness.
- Chopped nuts: Adds delightful crunch and earthy notes.
- Chocolate chips: A hint of melty richness to satisfy any chocolate lover.
- Eggs: The base of the custard that holds everything together with a silky texture.
- Half & half: Adds richness to the custard, making it creamy and tender.
- Light brown sugar: Sweet, slightly caramel notes that deepen the flavor.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness with complex hints that pair brilliantly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Warms the palate and perfectly complements the sweetness.
- Salted butter: Used in the crumb topping for a perfect balance of salty-sweet flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a crumbly, satisfying topping that bakes golden and crisp.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Baking Pan
Start by spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Cube your brioche loaf into 1-inch pieces. If your bread is pre-sliced, cutting each slice into 12 smaller cubes works well. This size is perfect for soaking up the custard without getting mushy.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese Mixture
Arrange half of the cubed bread evenly in the baking pan. In a separate bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and combined. Dollop half of this mixture randomly over the bread. You can use a small ice cream scoop or spoon for even distribution. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top and finish with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Add Fruit, Jam, Nuts, or Chocolate Chips
This is the moment to get creative. Choose to add fresh fruit or jam—never both for the best texture—then sprinkle half of your chosen accompaniment over the cream cheese layer. If using nuts or chocolate chips, divide them in half and layer them in between for added bursts of flavor and texture. These layers infuse the casserole with color and delightful surprises with every bite.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard and Pour Over the Bread
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half & half, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until everything is thoroughly blended. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread and toppings, making sure every cube is nicely soaked. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow soaking process creates that perfect custard texture we all dream about.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Crumb Topping
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Gently press the casserole with the foil sheet to ensure the liquid is evenly distributed and the bread is immersed. Remove the foil and mix the topping ingredients: cold cubed salted butter, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to combine everything into clumps that will bake into a beautifully crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the casserole, then bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. Baking longer yields a firmer, less eggy texture, while a shorter bake gives a softer, creamier result—choose your preference! Your kitchen will fill with the most inviting scent that makes waking up early completely worth it.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness and makes the casserole look irresistible. Fresh fruit on top amplifies the natural flavors, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream takes this dish from breakfast to celebration.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage balances the sweetness and adds a satisfying protein boost. Freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa can round out the meal and impress your guests effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual family meal or transfer individual portions to pretty plates for brunch guests. You can also customize with seasonal fruit for a fresh twist any time of year. It’s a versatile and elegant centerpiece that never fails to please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custardy bread will continue to soak up flavors, making each reheated bite just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze portions individually by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in freezer bags. Frozen casserole sections keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, comforting breakfast any day.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warm and the topping regains its crispness. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps that delightful crumble intact and the custard creamy.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche in this casserole?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness, challah or a sturdy French bread also work well. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted so it holds up without turning to mush.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
Yes, refrigerating overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard fully. This resting time results in a tender, creamy texture and ensures even baking for the perfect French toast casserole experience.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can substitute half & half with almond or oat milk and use a vegan cream cheese alternative. For eggs, try a flax egg mixture, but note the texture will differ slightly from the traditional custard.
What fruits work best in this casserole?
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries shine brightly, but diced peaches, apples, or pears are fantastic too. Using seasonal fresh fruit maximizes flavor and adds beautiful color.
Can I prepare this recipe without the crumb topping?
Definitely! The crumb topping adds texture and sweetness, but skipping it won’t hurt the flavor. You’ll end up with a more traditional custardy French toast bake, still delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe is more than just a breakfast—it’s a delightful way to bring sweetness, comfort, and a bit of magic to your mornings. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it promises to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you. Give it a try and savor those cozy, flavorful bites that feel like a special occasion any time of the week.
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese and Fruit Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus overnight refrigeration
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful make-ahead breakfast dish featuring layers of brioche bread, whipped cream cheese, and a rich custard soaked overnight. Enhanced with optional fresh fruit, jam, nuts, or chocolate chips, it’s topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing brunch or special occasion breakfast.
Ingredients
Bread & Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (17.6-ounce) loaf brioche bread (500g, pre-sliced recommended)
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese (226g)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (30g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- 1 cup fresh fruit (optional)
- 1 cup jam (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half & half (480mL, or 1 cup whole milk & 1 cup heavy cream)
- â…” cup light brown sugar (133g, packed)
- ¼ cup 100% pure maple syrup (60mL)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or extract)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (84g, cold and cubed)
- â…“ cup light brown sugar (67g, packed)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (44g, spooned and leveled)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cube the bread: Cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. If pre-sliced, slice each piece into 12 small cubes for uniform layering.
- Layer the bread: Place half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking pan to form the first layer.
- Mix cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, stir together whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth and combined.
- Add cream cheese over bread: Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the bread layer using a small scoop or spoon.
- Layer remaining bread and cream cheese: Add the remaining bread cubes over the first cream cheese layer. Then dollop the remaining cream cheese on top, distributing evenly.
- Add optional mix-ins: If using fresh fruit, jam, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, divide them in half and add between layers with the cream cheese. Choose either fruit or jam, and add nuts and chocolate chips as desired.
- Prepare the custard: In another medium bowl, whisk together eggs, half & half, light brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour custard over bread: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the layered bread in the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow soaking.
- Preheat oven and prepare for baking: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Remove the casserole from fridge, gently press down the top with foil to compact layers, then remove the foil.
- Make the topping: Combine cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub and press the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture clumps together.
- Bake the casserole: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes; less time yields a softer, custardy texture, longer time results in a firmer eggy bake.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly. Serve plain with powdered sugar or add extras like fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for garnish and added flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-sliced brioche for easier cubing and layering.
- Choose either fresh fruit or jam to complement fillings; avoid using both simultaneously.
- Customize with nuts or chocolate chips according to preference.
- Pressing the casserole down before baking ensures even custard absorption and baking.
- Adjust baking time to achieve desired texture from soft to more set.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before for convenient morning serving.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator and reheat gently.
