Description
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread, rich cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a sweet custard mixture. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 pound strawberries, diced and divided
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish and layer the ingredients: Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread a layer of cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Evenly distribute the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes to completely cover the filling.
- Make the custard and soak the bread: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat and bring to room temperature: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to take the chill off and promote even baking.
- Bake the French toast: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old brioche bread as it soaks up the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness; adjust amount according to your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
