Churro Cheesecake French Toast Bake
This Churro Cheesecake French Toast Bake combines the crispy, cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros with a creamy cheesecake layer and classic French toast, all baked in one easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or any morning you want to impress with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 loaf thick-sliced bread (16–18 oz, brioche or challah preferred, or Texas toast/French bread)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, divided
- 2 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins: fresh berries, chocolate chips, or dulce de leche
Instructions
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If bread is very fresh, let it sit out for 30 minutes or toast lightly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the bread cubes in the dish. Dollop and spread the cheesecake mixture over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes and gently press down.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the entire dish, pressing down so all bread is soaked. Let sit for at least 20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight).
- Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1 tbsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the churro topping.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm. Top with berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup as desired.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for best texture. Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth cheesecake layer. Let the bake rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for clean pieces. Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute with appropriate bread and dairy alternatives. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of bake (about a 3x3-inch square)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 19
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
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