Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

There’s something incredibly special about starting the day with a dish as delightful as Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole. Picture this: a leisurely Sunday morning, the sun is just starting to peek through the curtains, and the smell of fresh coffee wafts through the air. As I pull this beautiful casserole from the oven, the sweet aroma of cherries and cream cheese fills my kitchen, promising comfort and joy in every bite. This dish has a wonderful way of bringing family and friends together, and it’s particularly perfect for a cozy brunch or a holiday gathering. I remember the first time I made it; I was nervous, but as soon as my family took their first bites, the smiles on their faces reassured me that I had created something truly special.

What’s In This Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

The ingredients for Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy cream cheese to the sweet cherry pie filling, making every bite a journey of delight.

• 12 oz French baguette – Cut into 1-inch cubes, this sturdy bread soaks up all the delicious flavors while maintaining just the right amount of texture.
• 8 oz cream cheese – Adds creaminess and richness, elevating the dish from simple French toast to a cheesecake-inspired delight.
• 21 oz cherry pie filling – Sweet and tart, this filling brings a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the creamy layers.
• 6 large eggs – These are essential for binding the ingredients together and creating a custardy texture.
• 1/2 cup milk – Adds moisture and richness, enhancing the overall creaminess of the casserole.
• 1/2 cup half and half – This blend of cream and milk ensures a rich and luxurious texture.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup – The real stuff adds sweetness and depth of flavor, infusing the casserole with a warm, comforting essence.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – A classic spice that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – This subtly aromatic spice enhances the overall flavor profile, giving it that cozy feel.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Infuses the dish with a sweet and fragrant aroma, making it irresistible.

Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Instructions

Making Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a delightful process that’s easy to follow. You’ll find that the steps are straightforward and rewarding!

1. Start by spraying an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures that your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly.

2. Next, place half of the French baguette cubes on the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer.

3. Now, it’s time for the cream cheese. Scatter the cut cubes evenly on top of the bread, allowing their creaminess to seep into the bread below.

4. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese. The juicy cherries will add both flavor and a beautiful color contrast.

5. Top with the remaining half of the bread cubes, ensuring an even distribution. This will give a lovely texture when baked.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients: eggs, milk, half and half, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.

7. Pour this luscious mixture over the top of the bread layer, ensuring it seeps through to the bottom. This step is crucial for that custardy texture!

8. Spoon the remaining pie filling over the top, adding a gorgeous cherry layer that will caramelize during baking. Cover the dish with foil.

9. Preheat your oven to 350F. Let the casserole sit while the oven warms up, allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

10. Once preheated, place your covered casserole in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. This covered time helps the bread cook through.

11. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.

12. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. This waiting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to cut into squares.

13. Serve warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks about Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

When it comes to perfecting your Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole, here are some handy tips to ensure delicious results every time:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes about eight servings, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Serving This Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

When it comes to serving Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole, there are numerous ways to make it memorable:

• Brunch Buffets: This casserole is a showstopper at any brunch buffet. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad and some yogurt for a balanced meal.
• Holiday Celebrations: Perfect for holidays like Easter or Christmas, it adds a festive touch to your table.
• Family Gatherings: Serve it during family gatherings, where everyone can help themselves and enjoy a cozy atmosphere.
• Special Occasions: Celebrate birthdays or anniversaries with this dish by serving it alongside mimosas or your favorite coffee.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, they can be safely stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Seasonal Pairing: In spring and summer, consider adding fresh berries on top for a refreshing twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a perfect blend of rich flavors, creamy textures, and delightful sweetness. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. You won’t regret it!

Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious! This easy weeknight breakfast will satisfy your cravings and is perfect for any occasion. Treat yourself to this delightful dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 360 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Oven
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz French baguette cut into 1-inch cubes, about 5 cups
• 8 oz cream cheese cut into 20 cubes
• 21 oz cherry pie filling
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup maple syrup the real stuff!
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. Place half of the French baguette on the bottom of the dish. Place the cream cheese cubes on top of the bread. Spoon half of the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese. Top with the remaining half of the bread cubes. Whisk together remaining ingredients (eggs, milk, half and half, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla). Pour over the top of the bread layer. Spoon the remaining pie filling over the top and cover with foil. Preheat oven to 350F. Let french toast sit while the oven is preheating, allowing the bread to absorb some of the egg mixture. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving with additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Tip 3: This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Tip 4: This recipe makes about eight servings, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
• Tip 5: Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.

Keyword Brunch Recipes, Cherry Cheesecake Breakfast, Easy Casserole Recipe, French Toast Casserole

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!