Get ready to transform your morning breakfast routine with a mind-blowing dish that combines the comforting warmth of French toast and the irresistible sweetness of carrot cake! This show-stopping casserole is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine soft, custardy bread cubes infused with cinnamon, studded with sweet carrots and optional raisins, then topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting – it's like dessert met breakfast and created the most delicious love child imaginable!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated carrots and raisins (if using) over the bread cubes, distributing them evenly throughout the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened and absorbing the liquid.
- Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them soak up the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with cream cheese frosting just before serving and garnish with additional cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread for best results - it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
- For extra richness, use whole milk or even half-and-half.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow bread to fully soak up the liquid.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil for the first part of baking - it helps create a moist, even texture.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some milk with Greek yogurt.
- Serve immediately after adding cream cheese frosting to maintain the perfect temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
