Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Icing
A decadent breakfast casserole that transforms cubed brioche into a cinnamon roll-inspired French toast bake. Soaked overnight in a rich custard base and topped with cinnamon sugar and butter, this crowd-pleasing dish bakes into a golden, set center with slightly crispy edges. The creamy cream cheese icing drizzled on top mimics classic cinnamon roll glaze, making this perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or special occasions when you want an impressive make-ahead breakfast that serves a crowd.
Ingredients
- 6 cups brioche bread, cubedchallah or thick Texas toast1:1comfort
similar rich texture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly spray 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray
- 2
Place cubed bread in prepared baking dish
- 3
Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl
- 4
Pour egg mixture evenly over bread
- 5
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle over bread mixture
- 6
Drizzle melted butter evenly over top
- 7
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight if desired, bringing to room temperature before baking
- 8
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set
- 9
Remove and let cool for 10 minutes
- 10
Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy for icing
- 11
Drizzle icing over bake and cut into squares to serve
Tips
Let the assembled casserole come to room temperature before baking if refrigerated overnight to ensure even cooking.
Test doneness by inserting a knife in the center - it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
For extra richness, use all heavy cream instead of milk in the icing.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave.
Assemble completely and refrigerate overnight before baking. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Cut into squares and serve warm with icing drizzled on top.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip bringing to room temperature if refrigerated overnight to avoid uneven cooking
Don't overbake or the custard will become rubbery - check for doneness at 35 minutes
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar rich texture
FAQ
Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, you can bake immediately after assembly, though overnight soaking creates better texture and flavor absorption.
What if I don't have brioche bread?
Challah, thick-cut Texas toast, or day-old croissants work well as substitutes for similar rich texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave for best results.