King Cake French Toast Bake

Imagine waking up to the festive spirit of Mardi Gras right in your own kitchen. This King Cake Overnight French Toast Bake brings all the celebratory flavors of the iconic New Orleans dessert to your breakfast table. Layers of rich brioche soaked in creamy custard, studded with sweet cream cheese filling, and crowned with vibrant purple, green, and gold icing make this dish as stunning as it is delicious. Best of all, you prepare it the night before, so your morning is stress-free and filled with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from the oven.

Pin it

This overnight casserole transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping breakfast that captures the essence of New Orleans celebration. The combination of tender brioche, aromatic spices, and sweet cream cheese filling creates layers of flavor and texture that rival any bakery creation. Whether you're hosting a Mardi Gras party, planning a special family breakfast, or simply want to bring a little festive magic to your morning routine, this French toast bake delivers both convenience and wow factor.

Ingredients

• Bread and Custard: 1 large loaf (about 16 oz/450 g) brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt
• Filling: 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Icing & Decoration: 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; Purple, green, and gold (yellow) sanding sugars or sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1

Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 3

Arrange half the bread cubes in the baking dish. Dollop cream cheese mixture evenly over bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.

Step 4

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 5

Pour custard evenly over bread mixture, pressing down gently to soak. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while oven heats.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle over the casserole.

Step 8

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Step 9

Let cool 10 minutes.

Step 10

For icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over warm bake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugars in festive stripes.

Step 11

Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, use day-old brioche or challah as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy. Press down gently on the bread after pouring the custard to ensure every cube is well-soaked. Don't skip the overnight refrigeration—this allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture. When drizzling the icing, work quickly while the casserole is still warm so the colored sugars adhere properly and create those beautiful Mardi Gras stripes.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Use cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor and visual appeal. For a nutty crunch, add ½ cup chopped pecans between bread layers—a classic King Cake addition. For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives. You can also add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult twist, or fold in fresh blueberries or raspberries for fruity bursts throughout the casserole.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this festive bake warm with fresh berries or whipped cream on the side. A dusting of additional powdered sugar adds elegance, while warm maple syrup appeals to traditional French toast lovers. For a complete Mardi Gras brunch spread, pair with crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, and mimosas. Cut into generous squares and garnish each serving with extra colorful sprinkles for maximum celebration impact. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for easy weekday breakfasts.

Pin it

This King Cake Overnight French Toast Bake proves that festive, impressive breakfasts don't have to be complicated. With its make-ahead convenience and stunning presentation, it's destined to become your go-to recipe for special occasions and lazy weekend mornings alike. The combination of rich custard, sweet cream cheese, and those iconic Mardi Gras colors brings joy to every bite. Whether you're celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply treating your loved ones to something special, this casserole delivers a taste of New Orleans magic right to your breakfast table.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, challah or brioche are ideal for soaking custard, but other rich breads work well to absorb flavors.

→ Is an overnight soak necessary?

Overnight soaking helps the brioche fully absorb the custard, ensuring tender, flavorful layers when baked.

→ How do I get the custard mixture right?

Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, and spices until smooth to create a balanced custard that soaks evenly.

→ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight for convenience, then bake fresh in the morning.

→ What variations work well with this dish?

Add chopped pecans for crunch or swap dairy ingredients for plant-based options for a lighter version.