Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Toast (Print Version)

Decadent overnight bake with creamy cheesecake swirls and cinnamon roll flavors throughout tender brioche bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Fruit

01 - 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 pound)
02 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed

→ Custard

03 - 6 large eggs
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

11 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 large egg yolk
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Topping

15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in mashed bananas until well combined.
03 - Add bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to absorb the custard.
04 - In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
05 - Pour half of the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Drop half the cream cheese mixture in dollops over the bread layer. Repeat with remaining bread and cream cheese mixture. Gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
06 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle or sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
07 - Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
08 - When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven preheats.
09 - Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10 - Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Most of the work happens the night before, so morning baking is practically effortless.
  • The cream cheese swirl creates pockets of richness that feel indulgent without being over-the-top.
  • It feeds eight people beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without hours of cooking.
  • Banana bread meets French toast meets cheesecake in one unexpected, delicious mashup that somehow works.
02 -
  • Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable—it needs to be at room temperature, or your swirl will have lumps and refuse to blend smoothly into the casserole.
  • Don't skip the overnight chilling; the bread truly transforms and absorbs flavors in a way a few hours just cannot replicate.
  • The casserole will look slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven, and that's exactly right—it will firm up as it cools.
03 -
  • Beat your cream cheese for at least two full minutes until it's completely smooth and fluffy—this texture difference is noticeable in the final dish.
  • If your casserole seems dry after baking, you either skipped the overnight rest or used milk that was lower in fat; next time, use full-fat dairy and don't rush the chilling step.
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