Description
A cozy baked French toast casserole made with challah bread, creamy custard, cinnamon sugar topping, and pockets of melted cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup + 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Arrange challah slices evenly in the dish.
- Beat cream cheese, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth; drop spoonfuls between bread slices.
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Pour evenly over bread.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until center is set and top is golden.
- Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let bread soak for at least 15 minutes for a custardy center.
- Cover loosely if top browns too quickly.
- Serve with maple syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes