Apple Streusel & Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

The flavors of apple and cream cheese Danishes in an easy breakfast casserole is simple to make, yet so satisfying! It's perfect for brunch or dessert.

Prep Time35

Cook Time40

Reheating25

Total Time1 40

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple, Bread Pudding, Brunch, Cinnamon, Cream Cheese

Servings: 16

Author: kimberly

Ingredients

3 large, tart apples peeled and chopped
1 tbsp butter
3/4 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp sugar
10 cups cubed day-old bread
8 eggs
2 cups milk
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
8 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup cold butter cut into small pieces

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13x9" pan and set aside.
Saute the apples in 1 tablespoon of butter for about 10 minutes, until they are soft. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the bread cubes and stir well to combine.
In a small bowl or food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or pulse in food processor until crumbly.
To assemble the French toast bake: layer 1/2 of the bread mixture in the buttered pan, followed by 1/2 of the apple filling and 1/2 of the cream cheese chunks. Repeat layers. Top with streusel.
Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack. Chill in refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for another 25 minutes, until heated through.

Notes

Alternatively, if you do not need to chill the French toast bake overnight, you can just bake it for 50-60 minutes, until the topping is crisp and the center is set.