Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and tastes like a sweet weekend treat, you’re going to adore this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and custardy flavors—all baked together in one dish. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to for brunches and special mornings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe comes together with simple ingredients that balance richness and sweetness. Using brioche bread is key here because its soft texture soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.

• Brioche bread: Look for a fresh loaf, preferably day-old to hold its shape better when soaking.
• Cream cheese: Softened and cubed—don’t skip this; it adds marvelous creaminess and tang.
• Strawberries: Fresh, diced, and divided—freshness elevates the flavor, so pick bright red, ripe berries.
• Eggs: Using large eggs gives richness and structure to the custard base.
• Whole milk: Adds just the right creaminess to the custard mix for a tender bake.
• Maple syrup: The natural sweetness here amps the flavor without being overpowering.
• Vanilla extract: A splash for depth and warmth in flavor.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For a dusting to finish that adds a delicate touch and extra sweetness.

Variations

One thing I adore about this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak the fruits, cheese, or even the bread to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it your own special creation.

• Berry Mix-Up: I sometimes swap half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a colorful burst and slightly different tartness.
• Dairy-Free: For friends avoiding dairy, almond or oat milk works great, and coconut cream is a lovely creamy substitute for cream cheese.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Using gluten-free brioche or challah bread keeps things safe without sacrificing texture.
• Extra Decadence: Sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mix for warm spice notes that cozy up the dish perfectly.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Bread, Cream Cheese & Strawberries

Start by lightly spraying your 9×13 baking dish so nothing sticks. Then, layer half your cubed brioche bread evenly across the bottom. Scatter soft cream cheese cubes on top, followed by half of your diced strawberries. Now cover all that with the remaining bread cubes. This layering is where the magic begins—cream cheese pockets melt into the bread, while strawberries release juicy sweetness during baking.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard

In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined and smooth. Pour this lovely custard mixture evenly over the layered bread. You’ll want every cube soaked in this custard bath—that’s what makes it creamy and rich once baked.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight or At Least 2 Hours

This is a game-changer. Cover the dish and pop it into your fridge for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. This soak time lets every bit of bread soak up the custard fully, meaning when it bakes, it’s custardy without being soggy. I always prep mine the night before to save morning stress!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 minutes—this steams the inside gently. Then uncover and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes until golden brown and the center feels set. The smell is absolutely heavenly at this point!

Step 5: Serve with Fresh Strawberries and a Dusting of Sugar

When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries on top with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. These finishing touches elevate it visually and add a fresh, sweet brightness that makes every bite sing.

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and fresh strawberries, just like the recipe suggests. Sometimes I add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh mint leaves are also a lovely, subtle touch that brings a pretty pop of color.

Side Dishes

This baked french toast pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage for a satisfying sweet-savory combo. A fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait balances the richness beautifully, making your breakfast spread feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this in individual ramekins—the presentation is delightful, and everyone gets their own perfectly portioned treat. Another fun idea is layering the bake in a clear glass dish, so guests can see those beautiful layers of bread, cream cheese, and strawberries before diving in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together better overnight! Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions in airtight containers wrapped with plastic wrap and foil. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll still get a delicious treat when reheated—though fresh is always slightly better for the custard texture.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven until hot. Avoid high heat so it doesn’t dry out; covering helps keep it moist and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe has become one of my favorite dishes to share with friends and family because it’s comforting, approachable, and feels a little fancy without a ton of fuss. I love how the cream cheese surprises with little pockets of richness, and those fresh strawberries just brighten every bite. If you want to impress yourself and anyone you’re feeding on a weekend morning, give this a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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