Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread, creamy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, soaked in a sweet egg and milk custard, then baked to a golden perfection. It’s ideal for a cozy morning or special occasions, offering a luscious blend of fruity sweetness and rich creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to overnight (includes soaking time) plus 55-60 minutes baking
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Topping
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and layer bread and filling: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Arrange a layer of cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread. Cover this filling completely with the remaining bread cubes, creating a layered assembly.
- Mix custard and soak bread: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and fillings in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bring to room temperature: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to take the chill off, ensuring even baking.
- Bake the French toast casserole: Place the covered baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this initial baking time, remove the cover and continue baking uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is cooked through and firm.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Sprinkle the remaining diced strawberries over the top and dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to allow full custard absorption.
- You can substitute brioche with challah or another soft bread.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor.
- The cream cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture; ensure it is well-distributed to avoid clumps.
- This dish can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave for convenience.
Keywords: baked french toast, strawberries and cream french toast, baked breakfast casserole, brioche french toast, strawberry breakfast bake, creamy french toast bake
