Why choose between breakfast and dessert when you can have both? This Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of sweet cherries, creamy cheesecake, and golden-baked French toast. It’s make-ahead friendly and perfect for brunch or special occasions!

You’ll also enjoy this Blueberry Lemon French Toast Bake and French Toast Roll-Ups!

french toast casserole on a white plate with syrup and a fork

Looking for a show-stopping breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? 

This easy cherry cheesecake French toast casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet, guaranteed to make any morning just a little btter.

This baked French toast casserole is special because it combines the best parts of breakfast and dessert into one unforgettable dish. 

The creamy cheesecake layer adds richness, the cherry filling brings a tangy sweetness, and the soft, custard-soaked bread delivers the taste of classic French toast. 

It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or holiday celebrations.

If you’re in the mood for a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of deliciousness, this cherry pie French toast bake is it. Like this apple pie version, it’s incredibly simple and easy to customize.

french toast in a white dish with a piece on a wooden spoon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this dish perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free dish.
  • Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for holiday brunches, special gatherings, or a decadent weekend breakfast.
  • Customizable: Swap out cherries for other fruits or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
french toast casserole ingredients in bowls

Ingredients:

  • Bread Slices: French bread, challah bread, or Texas toast cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • Cherry Pie Filling: You can use the canned version or your favorite homemade recipe.
  • Large Eggs
  • Milk: I used 2% for richness, but any kind will work.
  • Sugar: For a hint of sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon and Vanilla: For more flavor.

Cheesecake Filling:

  • Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature.
  • Milk
  • Sugar and Vanilla Extract: For sweetness.

Streusel Topping:

  • Brown Sugar and White Sugar: light or dark brown sugar works well.
  • Cinnamon: For a savory sweetness.
  • Melted Butter: Unsalted works best.
  • Flour: To thicken the streusel.

How to Make Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole:

  • To Make the Cherry Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Assemble: Place half of the cubed bread onto the bottom of a greased baking dish. Top the bread with the pie filling, followed by dollops of the cream cheese filling. Add the rest of the bread on top of the cream cheese mixture.
cubed bread on the bottom of casserole dish
cherry pie filling spread over bread cubes
cream cheese mixture spread over the top of pie filling
  • Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until combined. Pour over the bread mixture and lightly press down to ensure each piece is coated. 
egg mixture whisked in a glass bowl
egg mixture poured over top of casserole
  • Prepare the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the French toast. Cover and refrigerate if time allows.
  • Bake: Place into the oven and bake until golden brown and no liquid remains.
streusel mixed in a glass bowl
streusel sprinkled on top of casserole

How to Store: 

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

  • To Reheat in the Microwave: Heat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • To Reheat in the Oven: Preheat oven to 350℉ and cover the casserole with foil to prevent the top from burning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  • To Freeze: Place leftover stuffed French toast in a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to serve, let thaw completely in the refrigerator.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! This overnight cherry french toast bake tastes even better and has more flavor if you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least three hours (or overnight) to soak up the liquid.

  • To prepare up to one day in advance: make as directed, except for the streusel topping, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. The casserole will need to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before baking.
a spoonful of casserole being lifted out of white baking dish

Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked French Toast Casserole:

While this dish is perfect on its own, here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

  • Classic Toppings: Add a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for a traditional touch.
  • Fresh Fruit: Pair the baked French toast with some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or cherries.
  • Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Sauces: Serve this cheesecake french toast recipe with some warm chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or even a simple vanilla glaze for an added touch.
  • Side Dishes: This overnight French toast bake is delicious when paired with some crispy bacon, sausage patties, or scrambled eggs.
  • Holiday Flair: If you’re serving this for Christmas morning or Valentine’s Day, add some festive sprinkles or chopped candy, such as peppermints, for a festive touch.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Choose the Right Bread: A sturdy bread, like challah, French bread, or brioche is best to use, as it absorbs the custard well without falling apart.
  • Slice It Thick: Cut bread into thick slices (about 1–1.5 inches) to achieve a crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior.
  • Let It Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for several minutes (or up to one day in advance, making this overnight cream cheese french toast casserole extra delicious), ensuring it absorbs the liquid evenly.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Mix in extras like orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of your favorite liqueur to elevate the flavor.
  • Top It Off: Serve this bake french toast casserole with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or nuts for a tasty finish.
close-up of french toast casserole on a white plate with syrup and a fork

Looking for More Breakfast Ideas? I’ve Got You Covered!

french toast casserole on a white plate with syrup and a fork

Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Why choose between breakfast and dessert when you can have both? This Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with layers of sweet cherries, creamy cheesecake, and golden-baked French toast. It's make-ahead friendly and perfect for brunch or special occasions!
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Ingredients
 

Cheesecake Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, (softened to room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk, any kind, (I used 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)

French Toast Filling:

  • 1 loaf French bread, cubed, (challah or Texas toast also works)
  • 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk, any kind, (I used 2%)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, (melted)
  • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • To make the cream cheese mixture: in a medium mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth with a hand mixer. Set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 375℉ (if baking right away). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place half of bread cubes in an even lay on bottom of dish, followed by cherry pie filling on top of bread cubes.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling and gently spread with the back of a spoon; then top with the rest of bread cubes. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over the bread mixture and lightly press down on bread to ensure that each piece is saturated. If time allows, refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • If baking from the refrigerator, let sit out for at least 20 minutes before cooking. To make the streusel topping: in a medium bowl, add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour. Stir to thoroughly combine. Spread evenly over top of french toast.
  • Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until bread is firm and no more liquid remains. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • While you can prepare and bake this casserole right away, it tastes even better and has more flavor if you let it sit in the refrigerator for at least three hours (or overnight) to soak up the liquid.
  • To prepare up to one day in advance: make as directed, except for the streusel topping, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. The casserole will need to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before baking.
  • See my tips and tricks for making this Cherry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole above the recipe box.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 516kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 191mg, Sodium: 471mg, Potassium: 273mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 861IU, Vitamin C: 0.03mg, Calcium: 171mg, Iron: 3mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.