Overnight Cinnamon Raisin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite with this Overnight Cinnamon Raisin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake. Perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend brunches, this recipe allows you to prepare a rich and creamy dish the night before, so you can enjoy a leisurely morning without any fuss. The combination of cinnamon raisin bread soaked in a luscious egg and half-and-half custard, layered with a smooth cream cheese filling, creates an irresistibly decadent treat that you’ll want to make time and time again. Topped with a hint of nutmeg and served warm with generous drizzle of maple syrup, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the holidays and beyond.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cinnamon raisin bread
24 slices (crusts trimmed)
eggs
8 large (divided)
half-and-half
4 cups
sugar
1.5 cups (divided)
vanilla extract
3 teaspoons (divided)
nutmeg
1 dash
cream cheese
16 ounces
maple syrup
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly butter a 3-quart baking pan to prevent sticking.
3
Layer half of the trimmed cinnamon raisin bread slices at the bottom of the prepared pan.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 4 cups of half-and-half, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
5
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the pan.
6
In another bowl, beat together 16 ounces of cream cheese, the remaining 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7
Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of soaked bread.
8
Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining slices of cinnamon raisin bread.
9
Pour the rest of the egg mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is well-soaked.
10
Sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg for added flavor.
11
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
12
In the morning, remove the cover and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
13
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving with warmed maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
40g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary bread used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 slices of cinnamon raisin bread with the crusts trimmed.
How many eggs are required for this French toast bake?
A total of 8 large eggs are needed, divided between the custard and the cream cheese filling.
What liquid is used to make the custard?
The custard is made using 4 cups of half-and-half.
How much sugar is needed for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of sugar in total, divided into 1 cup for the egg mixture and 0.5 cup for the filling.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long should the dish be refrigerated?
The dish should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How much cream cheese is required for the filling?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of cream cheese.
What spice is sprinkled on top of the dish?
A dash of nutmeg is sprinkled over the top layer before refrigerating.
What is the baking time for this French toast?
The dish should be baked for approximately 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
How long should the bake cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 20g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 10g of protein.
What should I serve with this French toast bake?
It is recommended to serve the dish warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Lightly butter a 3-quart baking pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
How is the vanilla extract divided in the recipe?
Use 2 teaspoons for the custard mixture and 1 teaspoon for the cream cheese filling.
What are the ingredients for the egg custard?
The custard consists of 6 large eggs, 4 cups of half-and-half, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese filling?
The filling is made from 16 ounces of cream cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 0.5 cup of sugar.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
Layer half the bread, pour half the custard, spread the cream cheese mixture, add the remaining bread, and pour the rest of the custard.
When do I remove the plastic wrap cover?
Remove the plastic wrap in the morning just before placing the pan in the preheated oven.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for holidays and special occasions.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
This dish is rich and creamy with a decadent custard-soaked bread texture and smooth filling.
Do I need to soak the bread before putting it in the pan?
No, you layer the dry bread slices and then pour the custard mixture over them.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Can I skip trimming the bread crusts?
The recipe specifies trimming the crusts for a more uniform, soft texture, but you can leave them if preferred.
What size baking pan is required?
A 3-quart baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How should I mix the cream cheese filling?
Beat the cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Is the maple syrup included in the bake?
No, the maple syrup is intended to be added to taste just before serving.
Why is it called an overnight bake?
It is called an overnight bake because it is prepared the night before and refrigerated to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.