Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

If you’re looking for a brunch dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light, you’ve got to try this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple morning into something special—imagine fluffy brioche soaked in rich custard with bursts of fresh strawberries and melty cream cheese layered inside. I absolutely love how this turns out, and what’s more, you can prep it ahead and let it bake while you sip your coffee. So, if you want to make your next breakfast or brunch extra memorable, keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients all play nicely together to create that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fresh. Using brioche bread gives this dish its signature buttery texture, while fresh strawberries add a vibrant pop. Don’t be tempted to use day-old bread here because brioche is best fresh or just a day old, so it soaks up that custard beautifully without turning mushy.

• Brioche Bread: Its rich flavor and soft texture make every bite melt-in-your-mouth amazing.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a decadent creaminess that sets this French toast apart from the usual.
• Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they balance the richness with bright sweetness.
• Eggs: The backbone of the custard that holds everything together.
• Whole Milk: Creates a luscious custard base, but if you want it richer, a mix with cream works too.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that deepens the flavor of the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting aroma that makes you sigh with contentment.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: A light dusting to finish it off and add a touch of elegance.

Variations

I love how versatile this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve personalized it to suit whatever I have on hand or the occasion, and you should too! Play around with different fruits, breads, or cheeses to make it your own.

• Berry Mix: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix to shake things up—I once made this for a summer brunch and loved the layered berry flavors.
• Different Bread: If you can’t find brioche, challah or even thick-cut sourdough can work, though the texture will differ slightly.
• Cheese Swap: For a tangier twist, try mascarpone instead of cream cheese; it’s silkier but just as creamy.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk like oat or almond and a vegan cream cheese to make it allergy-friendly without losing that lush texture.
• Added Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the egg mixture adds a cozy warmth that’s irresistible on chilly mornings.

How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

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

Start by lightly spraying your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray—trust me, this saves your French toast from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Then, evenly layer half of your cubed brioche bread on the bottom. Next, scatter the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread. This layering creates little pockets of gooey cream cheese and juicy berries throughout. Top it all off with the remaining bread cubes, pressing gently to cover the filling completely.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard and Soak

In a large mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until completely combined. Pour this rich custard evenly over the layered bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or better yet, overnight. This soaking time lets the brioche soak up the custard like a sponge, and that’s when the magic happens. Don’t rush this step; patience here = incredible texture and flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this helps it cook more evenly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with foil (or a lid if you have one) and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set. You’ll want to see the custard fully cooked but still soft and custardy inside. If you cut into it and see any jiggly spots, bake a little longer.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries on top and dust with confectioners’ sugar for that final touch of sweetness and visual wow-factor. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy. I love pairing it with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to really elevate the experience.

How to Serve Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping it simple here because the main dish shines so brightly. Fresh strawberry slices lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar is my go-to garnish—it adds a delicate sweetness and a pop of color. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a spoonful of whipped cream also makes it feel extra special, especially if you’re serving it on a weekend morning.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, I often serve this with a fresh green salad or lightly dressed arugula for a peppery contrast. Crispy bacon or sausage pairs wonderfully too if you want a savory sidekick. And of course, freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa rounds out the perfect brunch vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this dish in individual ramekins to give each guest a personalized portion. Another fun idea is to serve it family-style straight from the baking dish at the center of the table—there’s something cozy and inviting about everyone diving into that warm, custardy goodness together. I also like to top it with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves on holidays to make it visually stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—lucky you! I store mine tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered helps prevent it from drying out. When I reheat, I’ve found wrapping portions in foil and warming them in the oven preserves that soft custard texture better than the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked French toast before by cutting it into individual squares, wrapping them well in plastic wrap and foil, and placing in freezer bags. This recipe freezes surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to regain that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes (covered loosely with foil) is my favorite way to bring leftovers back to life without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium heat in short bursts, but watch carefully to avoid rubbery edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe is one of my most beloved morning treats because it feels like a celebration with hardly any last-minute fuss. I’ve made it for cozy family weekends and brunches with friends, and every time it disappears fast. It’s the kind of recipe you want to keep in your regular brunch rotation because it’s delicious, comforting, and somehow effortlessly fancy. I hope you enjoy making it and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

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