Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper breakfast that’s as delightful as it is comforting, you’re going to want to try this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy hug of sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and rich custard-soaked brioche, all baked to golden perfection. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your weekend favorite – and maybe even your weeknight treat because it’s just that good.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe shine. Using a rich brioche gives the dish a tender, buttery base, while fresh strawberries add bursts of sweet brightness that contrast beautifully with the creamy, tangy cream cheese layers.

• Brioche Bread: I recommend a fresh loaf for that soft and tender texture that soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
• Cream Cheese: Cubed cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess that turns this French toast into something truly special.
• Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet strawberries and dice them evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
• Eggs: They create the custard base – make sure they’re well beaten for an even soak.
• Whole Milk: The fat content here is key for a rich, silky custard.
• Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and a hint of warmth that complements the strawberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a friendly sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brightens everything.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: For that pretty finishing touch – it gives a delicate powdered sugar sweetness when sprinkled on top.

Variations

I love how flexible this baked French toast is—you can tweak it to suit your mood or your pantry’s contents. Adding your own twist makes it even more fun to prepare and eat!

• Berry Mix: I once swapped half the strawberries for blueberries, and the fruity combo was a hit with everyone.
• Non-Dairy Version: Using almond or oat milk and vegan cream cheese works wonderfully for a dairy-free alternative.
• Adding Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor—my kids love that texture contrast.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard adds a warm spice note that feels so cozy.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Bread, Cream Cheese, and Strawberries

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking. Next, spread half your cubed brioche bread evenly in the dish. Top this with the cream cheese cubes and half of the diced strawberries—arranging them in a single, even layer helps each bite have that perfect strawberry-cream cheese combo. Then cover with the remaining bread cubes, making sure you completely cover your fruit and cheese layer. This layered approach is what makes the dish so wonderfully rich and texturally layered.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together your beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until everything’s nicely combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over your layered bread, making sure to soak every nook and cranny. Cover the dish tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but I love doing this part overnight—it lets the bread get super tender and soak up all those flavors.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this helps it bake more evenly. Then, cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the cover and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set (a little jiggle is okay, but no runny custard!). The aroma alone will have you eager to dive in.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once baked, I love to sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds that delightful touch of sweetness and looks so pretty. Serve immediately alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea—you’ll find everyone reaching for seconds!

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a sprinkle of extra fresh strawberries because they add that bright, juicy freshness. A dusting of powdered sugar not only enhances sweetness but also makes the dish look bakery-fancy. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup on top seals the deal perfectly.

Side Dishes

This baked French toast holds center stage, but I often serve it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie pairs beautifully, keeping things light and refreshing to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday breakfasts, I like to serve this in individual ramekins layered like the big dish but perfectly portioned—guests love the personal touch. Another fun idea is to layer it in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the pretty layers of bread, strawberries, and cream cheese. Garnishing with edible flowers or mint leaves adds sophistication if you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, which is perfect for easy breakfasts or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve freezer-stored individual slices successfully by wrapping them tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer baking leftover slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to revive the texture without drying them out. Microwaving works too, but the oven method gives you back that slight crispiness on the edges, which I love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It combines the indulgence of a classic French toast with the freshness of berries and a creamy surprise that turns breakfast into a celebration. I love sharing this with friends and family because it brings everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it over and over, just like I do.

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