Description
A make-ahead breakfast casserole with layers of cinnamon-spiced custard-soaked bread, sweetened cream cheese, and a buttery brown sugar crumb topping.
Ingredients
1 loaf (12–14 oz) French bread, brioche, or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 oz full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
8 large eggs
2¼ cups whole milk
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
Crumb Topping:
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp ground cinnamon
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Toppings:
Maple syrup
Confectioners’ sugar
Blueberry sauce
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Add half of the bread cubes to the dish.
3. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and ¼ tsp vanilla until smooth.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the bread layer.
5. Add remaining bread cubes on top.
6. Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, brown sugar, and remaining vanilla until smooth.
7. Pour custard evenly over the bread and press down gently.
8. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 3–24 hours (overnight preferred).
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
10. Make the crumb topping: combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
11. Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole.
12. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes or until golden and set.
13. Cool slightly, then serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Use stale, crusty bread for the best texture.
Let it soak overnight for deep flavor and perfect consistency.
Avoid frozen berries if adding fruit—use only fresh.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
- Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg