King Cake Overnight French Toast (Printable)

Cinnamon-swirl brioche soaked overnight in custard, baked till golden, topped with vibrant icing and sprinkles.

# What Goes In:

→ Bread and Custard

01 - 1 large loaf brioche or challah (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1 cup heavy cream
05 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Filling

11 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - ⅓ cup powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Topping

14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
15 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Icing and Decoration

17 - 1 cup powdered sugar
18 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
19 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
20 - Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles

# How to Make It:

01 - Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
03 - Arrange half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread layer. Top with remaining bread cubes.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly combined.
05 - Pour custard mixture evenly over bread layers, pressing down gently to ensure even soaking. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
06 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove baking dish from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature while oven reaches temperature.
07 - In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
08 - Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is puffed and golden brown.
09 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable consistency is achieved.
11 - Drizzle icing over the warm casserole. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in festive stripes. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make-ahead convenience means you prep the night before and simply bake in the morning
  • Festive presentation with vibrant Mardi Gras colors makes it perfect for celebrations
  • Rich custard-soaked brioche creates a pillowy, tender texture that's indulgent yet comforting
  • Cream cheese filling adds a tangy sweetness reminiscent of classic King Cake
  • Feeds 8 servings easily, making it ideal for brunch gatherings and holiday breakfasts
02 -
  • Use room-temperature eggs and dairy for smoother custard that mixes more evenly
  • Press the bread down several times during the initial soak to eliminate air pockets
  • Don't skip the cinnamon-butter drizzle before baking—it creates a beautiful caramelized top
  • Apply the icing while the bake is still warm so it drizzles perfectly and the sprinkles adhere
  • For clean slices, let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking before cutting
  • Toast extra bread cubes and freeze them so you can make this recipe on short notice
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