Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a rich custard mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a luscious, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for brunch or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
Topping
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish and layer ingredients: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of cubed brioche bread evenly into the dish. Evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread layer. Then cover with the remaining bread cubes to fully encase the filling.
- Make the custard and soak the bread: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, thoroughly whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers 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.
- Preheat oven and let stand: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole: Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown on top and the center is set and firm.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the baked French toast immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh strawberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh brioche bread for its rich and tender texture that absorbs the custard well.
- You can prepare this dish the night before by assembling and soaking it overnight in the fridge for convenience.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cream cheese.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to taste or substitute with honey or agave syrup if desired.
- Ensure the cream cheese cubes are evenly distributed to avoid clumps and ensure even melting.
- Letting the dish stand before baking helps the custard soak deeper into the bread for a custardy center.
Keywords: baked french toast, strawberries and cream, brioche French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked brunch recipe, strawberry breakfast
