Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a luscious breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a sweet vanilla-egg custard, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a delightful twist on classic French toast with creamy and fruity flavors, perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 pound strawberries, diced and divided
Custard Mixture
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Layer Ingredients: Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a single layer of cubed brioche evenly into the dish, then top with cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries. Cover this filling with the remaining bread cubes to create a layered effect.
- Make Custard and Soak: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and filling in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Prepare to Bake: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Bake the French Toast: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the cover and bake an additional 25-30 minutes more, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve immediately. Sprinkle the remaining diced strawberries and confectioners’ sugar over the top for a pretty and tasty finish.
Notes
- For best texture, soak the French toast casserole overnight, allowing maximum custard absorption.
- If desired, substitute whole milk for a lower-fat milk or non-dairy alternative; baking time may vary slightly.
- Use fresh strawberries for optimum flavor, but frozen thawed strawberries may also be used.
- This dish can be assembled the night before for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, though it is best enjoyed fresh.
