Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Printable Version)

Overnight bake combining cinnamon roll essence with velvety cream cheese layers and ripe banana sweetness.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Fruit

01 - 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 1 pound)
02 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

→ Custard

03 - 6 large eggs
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg yolk
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Topping

15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
03 - Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss until all pieces are coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
05 - Pour half of the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Drop half the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread and cream cheese mixture. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
06 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle or sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
07 - Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
08 - When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator while preheating.
09 - Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
10 - Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's prepared the night before, so morning baking is hands-off and stress-free.
  • The cream cheese swirl stays creamy and luxurious instead of melting into everything like traditional French toast.
  • One casserole feeds a crowd, making it perfect for lazy brunches or overnight guests.
  • It tastes decadent enough for dessert but feels wholesome enough for breakfast.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese isn't soft, it won't beat smoothly and you'll end up with lumps; take it out 30 minutes before you start cooking.
  • The overnight chilling isn't optional; it allows the bread to properly absorb the custard and the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Don't skip the 10-minute rest after baking; a warm casserole will fall apart when you cut it, but one that's rested holds its shape.
03 -
  • If you want extra banana flavor, layer thin banana slices between the bread cubes before adding the cream cheese swirl.
  • Cinnamon swirl bread from a good bakery can replace regular brioche for an even more decadent result that saves you time on measuring spices.
  • Make the cream cheese mixture slightly ahead and let it chill; cold dollops swirl more beautifully than room temperature ones.
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