Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, you’ve got to try this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe. I absolutely love how the layers of fluffy brioche, rich cream cheese, and sweet strawberries come together in this baked delight. It’s the kind of dish that makes weekend mornings feel special, yet it’s surprisingly easy to throw together ahead of time. Stick around, because I’m about to share everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic brunch magic happen in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a role—from the rich brioche that soaks up the creamy custard to the fresh strawberries that add juicy pops of sweetness. When shopping, look for the freshest strawberries and a soft cream cheese for the best texture.

• Brioche Bread: A rich, buttery bread that holds up beautifully for soaking but doesn’t get soggy.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for creaminess and a slight tang that balances sweetness.
• Strawberries: Fresh and ripe, diced to ensure even distribution and bursts of flavor.
• Eggs: Large eggs are key for that custardy richness in the bake.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard base.
• Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness and a hint of warm flavor that complements the strawberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: For dusting—adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.

Variations

I love making this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe pretty much as is, but I’m all about tweaking it to fit the moment or season. You’ll find that swapping ingredients or adding extras is a fantastic way to keep it exciting.

• Berry Swap: When strawberries aren’t in season, try raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches—my family goes crazy for the fruity twists.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and substitute almond or oat milk to make it allergy-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.
• Chocolate Lover’s Edition: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers—I’ve done this for weekend brunches, and it’s pure happiness.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mix for warm, cozy notes, especially during fall mornings.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

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

Start by lightly coating your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray—trust me, this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Spread half of the cubed brioche in an even layer. Now, drop your cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread, then scatter half the diced strawberries on top. Finish this base with the remaining bread cubes covering everything. This layering ensures each bite is creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth and combined. Pour this heavenly custard evenly over the layered bread in your baking dish. You’ll want to cover every nook and cranny to make sure all that brioche soaks up the custard goodness. Then, cover your dish with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is my favorite because it lets the flavors meld and the bread soak thoroughly.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes – this helps it bake evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and a firm center—not jiggly. That beautiful golden crust is what makes this French toast irresistible.

Step 4: Serve and Finish with Fresh Strawberries

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar on top for a bright, fresh finish. This last touch really makes it pop visually and flavor-wise. Serve immediately—you’ll want to enjoy it warm and comforting straight from the baking dish.

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with the garnishes—fresh strawberries sprinkled over the top give a juicy pop and color contrast that’s just so pretty. A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the dish. For extra indulgence, sometimes I drizzle a little more maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This combo always impresses, whether it’s a family breakfast or guests at brunch.

Side Dishes

This baked French toast is quite rich, so I like pairing it with lighter sides. Fresh fruit salad on the side keeps things refreshing—think melon, kiwi, and oranges. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also works for a brunch balance. If you want something savory, crispy breakfast sausage or turkey bacon brings a nice contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this baked French toast in individual ramekins—super cute and perfect for portion control. You can also layer it in a trifle dish for a stunning brunch centerpiece. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of mint on top instantly elevates the presentation. Trust me, these little touches make everyone feel like you made a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to a sealed container. The key is to keep it moist but not soggy, so it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this recipe successfully by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well up to 2 months. When you want a quick breakfast, just pop a frozen piece into the fridge overnight to thaw.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the texture golden and prevents it from getting too soggy, unlike microwaving which can sometimes make it chewy. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel works fine, but nothing beats that oven-crisp finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns an ordinary morning into something memorable with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, it has that perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and just a little bit fancy. I hope you’ll try making it soon—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma and your table with smiles. Honestly, once you’ve had a slice fresh from the oven, you might just find yourself wanting to make it every weekend like I do!

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