Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe

There’s just something magical about waking up to a warm, indulgent breakfast that feels like a special occasion—and that’s exactly what this Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe delivers. Picture tender cubes of French bread soaked in a luscious custard mix, layered with creamy mascarpone and cream cheese, then topped with a buttery, cinnamon-scented crumb—baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of cozy, sophisticated dish that instantly elevates any morning or brunch gathering.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Unforgettable flavor combination: The richness of mascarpone paired with tangy cream cheese creates a dreamy, velvety filling that’s both luxurious and comforting.
Easy prep with make-ahead magic: Assemble it the night before and wake up to a ready-to-bake breakfast that feels like you put in way more effort.
Perfect balance of textures: Soft, custardy bread meets a crisp, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping for a delightful contrast in every bite.
Feeds a crowd effortlessly: This casserole is ideal for family breakfasts or brunch parties, making sure everyone leaves happy and full.

Ingredients & Substitutions

All the ingredients in this Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe come together simply but thoughtfully—each one plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. From the rich cream cheese and mascarpone to the wholesome oats in the crumb topping, it’s a beautiful medley that transforms humble breakfast staples into pure indulgence.

• French bread: A sturdy loaf works best to hold the custard soak without turning mushy; day-old bread is perfect!
• Cream cheese and mascarpone: These creamy cheeses bring richness and lend a luxurious texture that’s key to the dish.
• Whole milk and eggs: They form the custard base, soaking into the bread for softness and flavor.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon: Add sweetness and warm spice both in the custard and crumb topping.
• Rolled oats in the crumb: Provide a wholesome crunch and depth to the buttery topping.
• Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates that perfect crumble when mixed into the topping ingredients.

How to Make Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Custard

After greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, slice your French bread into 1-inch cubes—it’s best if your bread is slightly stale so it soaks up every bit of that dreamy custard. Spread the cubes evenly in your pan, then whisk together eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a smooth custard. Pour this over the bread, covering it completely, then cover tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 hours or overnight for the best soak and flavor.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

While your bread is soaking, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut cold, cubed butter into the mixture using a pastry blender or two forks, until you get coarse crumbs. This crumb topping is where the magic really happens—a crispy, golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft custard underneath.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Once the bread has soaked, remove it from the fridge, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread, and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes. The top will turn a beautiful golden brown, and the aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes. For a slightly softer texture, aim for the shorter bake time.

Step 4: Whip the Cream Cheese Mascarpone Filling

While the casserole is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and mascarpone with confectioners’ sugar and a splash of vanilla until silky smooth using a mixer. As the casserole nears the end of baking, drop spoonfuls of this creamy cheese mixture over the top and return to the oven just long enough for it to melt into luscious pockets of flavor throughout the dish.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe

Garnishes

To really make this casserole shine, finish with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint add a pop of color and brightness that complements the richness beautifully, making every bite feel both decadent and fresh.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp breakfast sausages or thick-cut bacon for a savory counterpoint. A simple fruit salad or citrusy yogurt can refresh the palate, offering vibrant balance to the creamy, sweet casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in cute ramekins for an elegant brunch presentation or plate with a dollop of whipped cream and some toasted nuts on top. For a festive twist, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or add a hint of orange zest in the crumb topping to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for 2 to 3 days, making perfect quick breakfasts or snacks.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through and the crumb topping crisps up again—about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe is more than just breakfast—it’s a celebration of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spiced goodness all in one dish. Whether you’re serving it for a lazy weekend brunch or a holiday gathering, it’s guaranteed to earn you compliments and perhaps even requests for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, take your time with each step, and look forward to the warm smiles this dish will bring to your table.

Cream Cheese Mascarpone French Toast Casserole with Crumb Topping Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 72 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Featuring cubes of French bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture, layered with a rich mascarpone and cream cheese blend, then topped with a crunchy cinnamon oat crumb topping, this casserole bakes to a golden perfection. Serve warm with maple syrup or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a deliciously indulgent start to your day.

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Ingredients

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Bread and Custard Mixture

• 1 (14 ounce) loaf French bread
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup (133g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons (15ml) pure vanilla extract, divided

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 4 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 ounces mascarpone
• 2 Tablespoons (15g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (from the 3 teaspoons divided)

Crumb Topping

• 1/3 cup (69g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/3 cup (41g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Confectioners’ sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3-4 quart oven-safe dish with nonstick spray. Slice the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking pan.
2. Make the Custard Mixture and Soak Bread: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, packed light brown sugar, and 2 3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring no lumps of brown sugar remain. Pour this custard evenly over the bread cubes. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor and better soaking.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crumb Topping: Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
4. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown. For a softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes. The custard should be set when done.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the casserole bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and mascarpone in a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium-high speed until completely smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined and creamy.
6. Add Cream Cheese Dollops: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese and mascarpone mixture randomly over the partially baked bread casserole. Return to the oven and bake briefly until the cheese dollops melt slightly and become luscious, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and optionally drizzle with maple syrup or dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
8. Storage: Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

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Notes

• For best results, soak the bread overnight in the custard mixture to allow full flavor absorption.
• You can substitute mascarpone with additional cream cheese if unavailable, though it will affect texture and richness slightly.
• The crumb topping can be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
• Using stale or slightly dried French bread improves the texture as it soaks better without becoming mushy.
• Adjust baking time depending on your oven; casserole is done when custard is set and topping is golden brown.
• Serve with fresh berries or sliced fruit for added freshness.