Indulge in the ultimate brunch treat with this Tiramisu French Toast Casserole! Combining the classic flavors of your favorite Italian dessert with the comforting goodness of French toast, this dish is rich, creamy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking to elevate your weekend breakfast, this make-ahead casserole is sure to impress—decadent layers of coffee-soaked bread, mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa in every bite!

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. instant espresso powder
  •  4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
  •  6 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
  •  12 slices day-old brioche bread (or challah)

Toppings for Serving:

  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered Sugar or Cocoa Powder

Directions:

  1. Lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside. 
  2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso powder until combined. Pour egg mixture into a shallow dish and set aside.
  3. Gently warm the chopped chocolate in the microwave (or on stove top) until fully melted. Add in the mascarpone cheese and stir until smooth. 
  4. Lay out 6 slices of bread and spread the chocolate mixture evenly between the slices. Place the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, making a sandwich.
  5. Dip each sandwich, one at a time, into the egg mixture. Flip it so both sides are well moistened. Place each sandwich in your prepared baking pan. Repeat this process with the remaining sandwiches, overlapping them slightly as necessary to fit into your casserole dish. pour the remaining egg mixture over top and cover the baking pan with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. 
  6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the oven is preheating, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature.
  7. Once preheated, place the casserole in oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
  8. If desired, sprinkle the French toast with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Serves 4-6