Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds, you’ve got to try this Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions because it’s hands-off but delivers big on flavor and comfort. Imagine layers of brioche soaked in a luscious custard, pockets of creamy cheese, and bursts of fresh strawberries baked until golden and irresistible. I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to brunch star!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This combination of sweet strawberries, rich cream cheese, and custardy brioche is what makes this Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe shine. Shopping for fresh, ripe strawberries and a quality brioche loaf really makes a difference in the final flavor.

• Brioche bread: Choose a sturdy loaf with a soft crumb; it soaks custard beautifully without turning mushy.
• Cream cheese: Cubed for melty pockets of rich creaminess throughout.
• Strawberries: Fresh, diced, and divided – some inside the bake and some for topping for extra brightness.
• Eggs: These create that custardy base – I always use fresh, large eggs for best texture.
• Whole milk: Adds richness that balances the tart strawberries and cream cheese perfectly.
• Maple syrup: For a natural sweetness with depth – it elevates the custard without making it too sugary.
• Vanilla extract: A must-have for warm, aromatic notes that complement the berries.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For a pretty finishing touch and that little extra sweetness sprinkle at the end.

Variations

I love customizing this Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to swap in different berries or cheeses, or tweak the sweetness level to make it your own.

• Mixed berries: Once I tried using blueberries and raspberries alongside strawberries, and it brought great complexity and color to the dish.
• Mascarpone instead of cream cheese: For a silkier, slightly sweeter cream layer, mascarpone works beautifully.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and a vegan cream cheese substitute, and swap eggs with a flax or chia egg mix for an allergy-friendly twist.
• Gluten-free bread: I’ve had luck with a sturdy gluten-free brioche alternative to keep the custard soak just right.

How to Make Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients with Love

Start by lightly spraying your baking dish so nothing sticks (trust me, this helps with easy cleanup). Layer half your brioche cubes evenly, then scatter the cream cheese and half your diced strawberries on top. Don’t rush this part – spreading the cream cheese evenly can be a bit sticky, but it ensures every bite gets that luscious creamy surprise. Finally, cover it with the remaining brioche cubes so your filling is snugly wrapped inside.

Step 2: Whisk Your Custard and Soak

Next, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth and combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in your baking dish. I discovered that covering and refrigerating it for at least 2 hours — or overnight if you can wait — lets the bread soak up all those flavors. This step makes the final bake tender and rich every time.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

After soaking, take your dish out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. This helps it bake evenly without the center being too cold. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25-30 minutes until golden and the center is set but still moist. If you poke it lightly, it should spring back and not feel jiggly. My family goes crazy for this golden top — it’s that caramelized color that gets everyone at the table smiling!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries all over and dust with confectioners’ sugar — it’s such a simple step but it makes the dish look bakery-worthy. I love how the fresh fruit adds that bright, fresh contrast to the warm, creamy bake.

How to Serve Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar are my go-to garnishes because they keep the dish light and vibrant. Sometimes I add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Whipped cream can’t hurt either if you’re feeling indulgent!

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add a savory contrast. A simple green salad or fresh fruit salad also balances the richness nicely if you want something lighter alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins to give a fancy touch and even layered the strawberries inside with a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. Another fun idea is adding a swirl of berry compote on top right before serving for an extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions wrapped well in airtight containers, and while the texture changes a bit, it still reheats nicely for a quick breakfast later on – perfect when you need a make-ahead option.

Reheating

To reheat, I do it in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes covered loosely with foil to keep it moist, or zap a single portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if I’m in a rush. It comes back warmed through and still creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Strawberry Cream French Toast Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s as comforting as it is impressive — perfect for weekends when I want something special without a morning spent at the stove. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a regular treat that brings family or friends together around your table. Give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out for you!

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