Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, show-stopping breakfast that’s both comforting and a little fancy, you absolutely have to try my Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe. This dish is everything you want on a weekend morning: creamy, fruity, and perfectly baked to golden perfection. I promise, once you try this, it’ll soon become your go-to for brunches or laid-back holidays.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on rich, creamy textures paired with bright strawberries and soft brioche bread, which soak up the custard beautifully. When shopping, pick the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor, and grab a sturdy brioche loaf so it holds up well during baking.

• Brioche bread: I love brioche because it’s buttery and soft, perfect for soaking up the custard mixture without falling apart.
• Cream cheese: This adds a lovely creamy tang and richness that takes traditional French toast to the next level.
• Strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries shine here, bringing a burst of color and natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness – make sure to whisk them well for a smooth custard.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness; you can’t skip on it!
• Maple syrup: Gives a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor; use pure maple syrup if you can.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all other flavors beautifully.
• Kosher salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness and bring out flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting at the end—adds a delicate touch and a bit of sparkle.

Variations

I love tweaking this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s super flexible, so you can make it your own.

• Berry Mix: Sometimes I swap half the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for extra color and flavor — my kids think it’s like a fruit party in their mouths!
• Egg Substitute: If you want it a bit lighter, try using half egg whites and half whole eggs; it makes the custard less rich but still delicious.
• Nutty Crunch: Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top before baking adds great texture and a nutty twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk with a dairy-free cream cheese to adapt this to allergies — it’s surprisingly tasty that way too.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Build the Layers

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Lay out a first layer of the cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Then sprinkle on half the diced strawberries and dot them with chunks of cream cheese. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top to completely cover the cheesy strawberry filling. This layering is key because it gives you that delightful surprise of creamy berries inside.

Step 2: Mix the Custard and Soak

In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours — or overnight if you have the time. This wait lets the bread soak up all that rich custard, making it soft and flavorful rather than dry.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes so it warms slightly (this helps it bake evenly). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still moist. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the top has that irresistible crusty edge.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining diced strawberries over the top and dust with confectioners’ sugar for a pretty finish. Serve warm, and maybe add a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Trust me, each bite is a luscious mix of creamy, fruity, and custardy goodness that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and a handful of fresh strawberries on top – it looks as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I like to add a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This French toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or homemade sausage links if you want a savory contrast. For something lighter, fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie is a wonderful companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch — great for bridal showers or brunch gatherings. Another fun way is layering it in a clear glass trifle dish so the strawberry and cream layers are on full display, making it almost too pretty to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store portions in airtight containers to maintain moisture and prevent the top from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers wrapped tightly in foil and then stored in freezer bags. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture remains spot-on, making this great for busy mornings when you want a homemade touch without the work.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes covered loosely with foil to warm evenly without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick microwave burst works too, but the oven method yields the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how all those simple ingredients layered together could create something so comforting and elegant. I’m confident you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delicious results — it’s one of those dishes that really feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try next weekend and get ready to watch your friends and family go wild over it!

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