Description
A delicious twist on a classic dessert, King Cake French Toast Bake is a festive way to start the day, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 16 oz)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Bread and Filling: Arrange half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Casserole: Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing down gently to ensure thorough soaking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat and Rest: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove baking dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while oven reaches temperature.
- Add the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top.
- Cool Briefly: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before icing.
- Make and Apply Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable consistency. Drizzle icing over the warm casserole and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in festive stripes.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- For best results, soak the casserole overnight.
- Feel free to substitute other types of bread if you can’t find brioche or challah.
- This dish can be served as dessert or breakfast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg