Description
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a decadent and comforting breakfast casserole featuring layers of brioche bread, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a sweet custard mixture. Perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, it combines creamy, fruity, and rich textures baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh berries and a dusting of confectioners' sugar.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 pound strawberries, diced and divided
Custard Mixture
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Topping
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place a layer of cubed brioche bread evenly across the dish. Evenly layer the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes to cover the filling completely.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large glass measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Soak the bread: Cover the baking dish tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully for a creamy texture.
- Preheat and prepare for baking: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand for 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast: Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue to bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is firm and set.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately. Sprinkle with the remaining diced strawberries and dust with confectioners' sugar for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- For best results, soak the custard overnight to ensure every bite is moist and custardy.
- If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen strawberries can be used; thaw and drain excess liquid before layering.
- Substitute brioche with challah or other rich bread if preferred.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked in the morning for a convenient breakfast option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
