Name: Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491615H46M44S
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1/3 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine layers of fluffy brioche soaking up a rich custard infused with vanilla and maple syrup, pockets of luscious cream cheese, and juicy strawberries baked to perfection. It’s an effortless way to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever did French toast any other way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white baking dish with a yellow handle holds many small cubes of light yellow bread with a soft texture and some pieces showing golden brown crust on top, all stacked unevenly inside the dish. To the left of the dish, several whole red strawberries with green tops are scattered on a white marbled surface. Below the dish, there is a gray egg carton with four brown eggs, and two broken egg shells lie nearby. To the right, a clear glass bowl is filled with bright red sliced strawberries, showing their juicy inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Preparing this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is a joy because it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table. From the buttery brioche to the fresh strawberries, every component works in harmony to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

Brioche bread (16-ounce loaf, cubed): This soft, slightly sweet bread absorbs the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Cream cheese (8-ounce package, cubed): Adds rich creaminess and a subtle tang that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet layers.
Strawberries (1 pound, diced and divided): Fresh and juicy berries give vibrant color and bursts of natural sweetness.
Large eggs (12, beaten): The base of the custard mixture that sets the whole dish together.
Whole milk (2 cups): Provides creaminess and helps create the perfect custard texture.
Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Infuses the custard with a warm, natural sweetness that’s irresistible.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor depth and adds a comforting aroma.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Confectioners’ sugar (1 tablespoon): Optional topper that adds a pretty dusting and an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Assemble the Layers

Start by lightly spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to keep things from sticking. Spread half of your cubed brioche evenly across the bottom. Layer on the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries for an even spread of creamy, tangy, and fruity pockets that will shine through after baking. Top everything with the remaining bread cubes, making sure the fillings are fully covered so the custard can soak in evenly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. This custard mixture is the magic that turns the bread into French toast, soaking it until it’s rich and flavorful. Pour the custard evenly over the layered brioche and strawberries so every bite is perfectly soaked.

Step 3: Refrigerate to Soak

Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight. This soaking time is crucial because it allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread cubes, ensuring an irresistibly soft and custardy interior once baked.

Step 4: Bake the French Toast

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven warms up. Then, place it covered with foil or a lid in the oven and bake for 30 minutes to start firming up the custard. Uncover it and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. This two-stage baking ensures a nicely browned top without drying out the custard inside.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Serve

Once the baked French toast is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar over the top. This final touch adds freshness and a sweet pop of color, making it just as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with three main layers. The bottom layer appears soft with a pale yellow color, likely custard or egg mixture. The middle layer consists of golden-brown toasted bread cubes, scattered unevenly, some slightly crisped on the edges. The top layer is decorated with fresh red strawberry pieces, adding bright red tones and juicy texture. A fine dusting of white powdered sugar is sprinkled over the entire dish, giving a light, snowy effect. The dish is in a white baking pan placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar elevate this dish beautifully. You can also add a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for that indulgent, café-style finish. Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a lovely crunch and warm spice note.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best when paired with light sides like crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait can add refreshing contrast and keep the meal bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a pretty, personal touch. Layer the slices in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and extra berries for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece. You can also dust with edible flowers to add an elegant pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover baked French toast can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it just as tasty — if not more so — as the day it was baked.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe freezes brilliantly. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to reheat for an easy breakfast anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes until heated through, or microwave at medium power to keep the custard creamy without drying out. A quick sprinkle of fresh strawberries on top will revive that bright, fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich texture and tenderness, you can use challah or even a sturdy white sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the French toast mixture before baking?

It’s highly recommended. Refrigerating allows the custard to thoroughly soak into the bread cubes, which makes the final dish tender and custardy rather than dry or chewy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

With some clever substitutions, yes. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For eggs, try a commercial egg replacer or blended silken tofu, but know that texture and flavor may differ slightly.

How do I know when the baked French toast is fully cooked?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel firm but not dry. A toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I prepare this dish for a crowd or special occasion?

Definitely! This recipe serves about eight, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings. You can easily double it for larger groups and even bake it in multiple pans at once.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is truly a delightful way to start any morning with warmth, sweetness, and a bit of indulgence. Easy to prep but impressive on the plate, it brings together the best of creamy custard, fresh fruit, and soft brioche in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with your loved ones. Go ahead—bake it, enjoy it, and savor every delicious moment!