Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, combining the richness of cream cheese with fresh strawberries. This dish is perfect for weekend brunches, offering a creamy, fruity, and comforting treat that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale; brioche or challah recommended)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk (almond or coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free option)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Arrange half of the bread slices in the baking dish slightly overlapping. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread, then sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries on top.
4. Step 4: Repeat with the remaining bread, cream mixture, and strawberries, making sure all bread slices are soaked well.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let the French toast cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture. Brioche or challah adds a richer flavor.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use almond or coconut milk.
• Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm spice twist.
• Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or extra fresh berries before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. This French toast is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen in portions for longer storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What bread works best for baked French toast?

Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy. Rich breads like brioche or challah give the best flavor and texture.

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Featuring layers of day-old bread soaked in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard with fresh strawberries, it is baked to golden perfection for a warm and comforting morning treat perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Fruit

• 6 slices bread (preferably day-old brioche or challah)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Cream Mixture

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup milk (or almond/coconut milk for dairy-free option)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Other

• Butter for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange the slices of bread in the buttered baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the bread, then scatter half of the sliced strawberries on top.
4. Repeat Layering: Add another layer of bread slices, pour the remaining cream mixture evenly, and finish with the remaining sliced strawberries, ensuring all the bread is soaked thoroughly in the custard.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the custard to set.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
7. Serving: Let the baked French toast cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally topped with additional fresh strawberries, syrup, or powdered sugar as desired.

Notes

• Day-old or slightly stale bread works best to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or coconut milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• You can add a drizzle of maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance sweetness.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to mix smoothly into the custard.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked french toast, strawberries and cream, breakfast casserole, baked breakfast, custard soaked bread