King Cake Overnight French Toast

Imagine waking up on Mardi Gras morning to the aroma of cinnamon-spiced brioche baking in the oven, ready to celebrate with a dish that captures all the festive joy of a traditional King Cake. This King Cake Overnight French Toast Bake transforms the beloved carnival dessert into an easy, make-ahead breakfast casserole that's perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of buttery brioche soaked in rich custard, swirls of cream cheese filling, and a colorful cascade of purple, green, and gold icing, this dish brings the magic of New Orleans straight to your breakfast table—no bakery required.

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The beauty of this overnight French toast bake lies in its simplicity and timing. By letting the bread soak in the custard overnight, every cube becomes perfectly saturated, ensuring a creamy interior and golden exterior once baked. The cream cheese filling melts into pockets of tangy sweetness throughout, while the cinnamon-sugar topping caramelizes into a delicate crust. Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras, hosting a special brunch, or simply want to elevate your weekend breakfast, this dish delivers both impressive flavor and effortless preparation.

Ingredients

• Bread and Custard: 1 large loaf (about 16 oz/450 g) brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt
• Filling: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Icing & Decoration: 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Purple, green, and gold (yellow) sanding sugars or sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1

Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 3

Arrange half the bread cubes in the baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.

Step 4

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 5

Pour custard evenly over bread mixture, pressing down gently to soak. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while oven heats.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle over the casserole.

Step 8

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Step 9

Let cool 10 minutes.

Step 10

For icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over warm bake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugars in festive stripes.

Step 11

Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use day-old brioche or challah as slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, cube it and leave it out uncovered for a few hours or toast the cubes lightly in a 250°F oven for 10 minutes. When pressing the bread into the custard, be gentle but thorough to ensure even soaking. The overnight rest is essential—it allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture. If you're short on time, allow at least 4 hours, but overnight yields the creamiest texture. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking throughout.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Elevate this dish by using cinnamon swirl bread instead of plain brioche for an extra layer of spiced flavor that mirrors traditional King Cake even more closely. For added richness and texture, fold ½ cup chopped pecans between the bread layers or sprinkle them on top before baking. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the texture will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free adaptation, use plant-based milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives—the results are surprisingly delicious. You can also add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries between the layers for bursts of fruity tartness that complement the sweet custard beautifully.

Serviervorschläge

This King Cake Overnight French Toast Bake shines as the centerpiece of a festive brunch spread. Serve it warm with a side of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—to add brightness and balance the richness. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of extra powdered sugar makes each serving even more indulgent. For a complete Mardi Gras breakfast, pair it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, fresh orange juice, and strong chicory coffee for an authentic New Orleans experience. Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

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This King Cake Overnight French Toast Bake brings the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of custardy brioche, tangy cream cheese, warm spices, and festive colors creates a breakfast experience that's both comforting and spectacular. Whether you're celebrating Fat Tuesday, hosting a holiday brunch, or simply treating your family to something special, this make-ahead casserole ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll with every delicious, colorful bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ What bread works best for this dish?

Cinnamon swirl brioche or challah breads are ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness, which complement the custard soak.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, the bread should soak overnight in the custard to fully absorb flavors and ensure a tender bake.

→ How is the cream cheese filling made?

Softened cream cheese is beaten with powdered sugar and optional lemon zest until smooth, then layered between the bread cubes.

→ What gives the topping its crunch and color?

A mix of melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon is drizzled on top before baking, then colorful sanding sugars or sprinkles add festive decoration after icing.

→ Are there dietary alternatives to dairy ingredients?

Plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives can be used for a dairy-free variation without compromising texture.

→ Can nuts be added?

Yes, chopped pecans can be layered between bread cubes for added crunch and flavor.