Description
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a decadent twist on classic French toast, featuring layers of brioche bread, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a sweet custard mixture and baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect make-ahead brunch dish that delivers creamy, fruity, and comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Filling & Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 pound strawberries, diced and divided
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking. Layer half of the brioche bread cubes evenly into the dish.
- Add the filling: Evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the first layer of bread. Then cover completely with the remaining bread cubes.
- Make custard mixture: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread cubes and fillings. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Preheat the oven: Before baking, 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 covered: Bake the prepared French toast casserole covered for 30 minutes to start setting the custard and melting the cream cheese.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is firm and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the baked French toast warm, topped with the remaining fresh strawberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this recipe a day ahead for convenient breakfast or brunch timing.
- Use day-old brioche for best texture; fresh bread may become too soggy.
- Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
