Picture this: you wake up to the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house, and there’s a warm, gooey casserole waiting to be scooped onto your plate. Sounds like a dream, right? These 12 French toast casseroles are basically dessert masquerading as breakfast, and I’m here to spill all the sweet, indulgent details. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, these recipes are your ticket to a morning (or evening—no judgment!) that feels like a treat. Let’s get to the good stuff!
1. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This casserole is like if a cinnamon roll and French toast had a baby—and it’s adorable. It’s sticky, sweet, and perfect for lazy weekends when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed (stale works best!)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, but trust me, they add crunch)
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and toss in your cubed brioche.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a big bowl until smooth.
- Pour the egg mix over the bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. Press it down gently.
- Dollop cream cheese in small chunks over the top and drizzle with maple syrup. Sprinkle pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm casserole.
Why You’ll Love It
This is pure comfort food—think warm, gooey, and just sweet enough. I made this for a brunch once, and my friends still talk about it like it was a Michelin-star dessert. Pro tip: double the glaze if you’re feeling extra.
2. Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Who says you can’t have cheesecake for breakfast? This blueberry-packed casserole is creamy, fruity, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (frozen works too)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (don’t skip this—it’s the zing!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scatter half the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Dot with cream cheese cubes and sprinkle blueberries over the top.
- Add the rest of the bread cubes.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Pour over the bread.
- Cover and chill for 4–8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love It
The lemon zest cuts through the richness, and the blueberries burst with flavor. It’s like a breakfast dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about. I once swapped blueberries for raspberries—big mistake, they were too tart. Stick with blueberries!
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast Casserole
Chocolate and peanut butter in a French toast casserole? Yes, please. This one’s for the kid in all of us who wants dessert for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread, cubed
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk, your call)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread peanut butter on half the bread cubes and sandwich with the other half. Place in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, making sure it’s fully soaked.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Serve with a drizzle of peanut butter or whipped cream if you’re feeling wild.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s like a Reese’s cup in casserole form—rich, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying. I brought this to a potluck, and it vanished faster than my willpower around chocolate. 🙂
4. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
This casserole screams fall, with tender apples and warm spices that make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Perfect for cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rolled oats (for that pie-crust vibe)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss bread cubes and diced apples in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread and apples.
- Sprinkle oats on top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum dessert vibes.
Why You’ll Love It
The oats give it that apple pie crunch, and the spices make it feel like a hug in food form. I made this for Thanksgiving breakfast once, and now it’s a tradition.
5. S’mores French Toast Casserole
Campfire vibes without the mosquito bites—this s’mores-inspired casserole is gooey, chocolatey, and marshmallow-packed.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4–8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until the marshmallows are golden.
- Serve with extra marshmallows for that s’mores flair.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s like eating a campfire dessert for breakfast—without the sticky fingers. The graham cracker crumbs add the perfect crunch. IMO, this is a kid-pleaser too.
6. Lemon Raspberry French Toast Casserole
Bright, zesty, and just a little tart, this casserole is like sunshine on a plate. Perfect for spring brunches or when you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, cubed
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer half the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Scatter cream cheese cubes and raspberries over the bread, then top with the remaining bread.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread.
- Cover and chill overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The lemon zest and raspberries make this feel fresh and indulgent at the same time. I tried using frozen raspberries once—don’t do it. They turn mushy. Fresh is the way to go!
7. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Fall called, and it wants its flavors back. This pumpkin spice casserole is cozy, creamy, and perfect for sweater weather.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle pecans on top if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
This screams autumn, and the pumpkin puree makes it so creamy. I make this every October, and my family devours it faster than I can say “PSL.”
8. Banana Bread French Toast Casserole
Banana bread meets French toast in this caramelized, nutty dream of a casserole. It’s like your favorite loaf, but better.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf banana bread, cubed (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer banana bread cubes and sliced bananas in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle walnuts on top if you’re using them.
- Cover and chill for 4–8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Why You’ll Love It
The banana bread makes this feel like a warm hug, and the sliced bananas caramelize in the oven. I once used underripe bananas—big nope. Go for ripe ones for max sweetness.
9. Coconut Cream Pie French Toast Casserole
This tropical twist is creamy, dreamy, and tastes like a pie you can eat for breakfast. Coconut lovers, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Hawaiian bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until set.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
The coconut milk makes this so rich, and the toasted coconut adds a fun crunch. It’s like a vacation in a casserole dish. FYI, don’t skip toasting the coconut—it’s a game-changer.
10. Strawberry Shortcake French Toast Casserole
This casserole is like strawberry shortcake, but make it breakfast. Sweet, summery, and perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf pound cake, cubed (yes, cake!)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer half the pound cake cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Add strawberries, then top with the rest of the cake.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Pour over the cake.
- Cover and chill for 4–8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Serve with whipped cream and extra strawberries.
Why You’ll Love It
Using pound cake makes this feel like a legit dessert, and the strawberries keep it fresh. I made this for a summer brunch, and it was gone in minutes.
11. Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Casserole
Nutella fans, this one’s for you. It’s rich, chocolatey, and basically a love letter to hazelnuts.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced
- ¾ cup Nutella
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread Nutella on half the brioche slices and sandwich with the other half. Cube the sandwiches and place in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle hazelnuts on top if using.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with more Nutella.
Why You’ll Love It
The Nutella oozes out in every bite, and the hazelnuts add a fancy touch. I tried this with almond butter once—don’t bother. Nutella’s the star here.
12. Peach Cobbler French Toast Casserole
This Southern-inspired casserole is juicy, sweet, and tastes like summer in a dish. Peaches and French toast? Yes, ma’am.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced (or canned, drained)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss bread cubes and peaches in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Pour over the bread.
- Sprinkle oats on top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Cover and chill for 4–8 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The peaches get all soft and caramelized, and the oats give it that cobbler crunch. This is my go-to when I want to feel like I’m at a Southern diner. 🙂
Related Recipes:
- Mango Coconut Cake Recipe That’ll Steal Your Heart
- Red Velvet Oreo Cake Recipe: Irresistibly Delicious & Fun to Make!
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe: Pure Bliss!
- Homemade Nutella Recipe That Will Blow Your Mind
Wrapping It Up
These French toast casseroles are your secret weapon for mornings that feel like a party—or evenings when you just need a sweet escape. From gooey cinnamon roll vibes to bright lemon raspberry zing, there’s something here for every craving. The best part? They’re easy to prep, feed a crowd, and taste like dessert without the guilt. So grab your brioche, crank up the oven, and treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a celebration. Which one are you making first?
