This Overnight Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a rich and comforting make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with sweet challah bread, creamy vanilla cream cheese, and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, it’s ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or any time you want a warm, cozy breakfast without morning prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe :

• Perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings

• Rich, creamy texture with sweet cinnamon flavor

• Ideal for holidays and brunch gatherings

• Feeds a crowd with minimal effort

Equipment :

• 9 × 13-inch baking dish

• Hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Knife

• Pastry blender or two forks

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Oven

Ingredients :

French Toast

• 1 (12–14-ounce) loaf challah bread

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 8 large eggs

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Cooking spray (for greasing)

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Instructions :

1. Coat a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Slice the challah bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

2. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth.

4. Beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fully combined.

5. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.

6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the dish from the refrigerator.

9. In a medium bowl, whisk together the streusel sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

10. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or forks until crumbly.

11. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the soaked bread.

12. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown on top.

13. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Tips & Notes :

• Challah bread gives the best texture, but brioche works well too.

• Bake closer to 45 minutes for a softer texture, or longer for a firmer top.

• Let the casserole rest briefly before slicing for cleaner servings.

Storage & Make-Ahead :

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole (through adding streusel) for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions :

• Serve with maple syrup or honey

• Add fresh berries or sliced fruit

• Pair with coffee or tea for brunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I prepare the streusel topping ahead of time?
A1: Yes, prepare the streusel in advance and refrigerate it overnight before sprinkling on the casserole.

Q2: Can I freeze this recipe?
A2: Yes, freeze it unbaked through adding the streusel, then thaw overnight before baking.

Q3: What bread works best for this recipe?
A3: Challah is ideal due to its slightly sweet, soft texture, but brioche is a good substitute.