Strawberries and Cream French Toast

This strawberry and cream French toast casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into a decadent morning treat with minimal effort. The overnight preparation means you wake up to a ready to bake dish that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of vanilla and berries.

I first made this for Easter brunch last year and my family was so impressed they thought I had ordered it from a bakery. Now it has become our special occasion breakfast tradition even though it requires less effort than individual French toast slices.

Ingredients

• Brioche bread: Enhances the richness and creates the perfect texture when soaked
• Cream cheese: Adds a cheesecake like layer that melts between bread cubes
• Fresh strawberries: Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base
• Whole milk: Creates the perfect custard consistency
• Maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness throughout
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the berry flavors
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors
• Confectioners sugar: Adds a beautiful finishing touch and subtle sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:

Begin by lightly coating your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray ensuring every corner gets covered. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later.

Create the first bread layer:

Arrange half of your brioche cubes in an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish. The bread pieces should touch but not be crammed together to allow space for the custard to soak in properly.

Add the filling layer:

Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly across the bread then scatter half of your diced strawberries over the cream cheese. This middle layer creates pockets of creamy richness and berry sweetness throughout the casserole.

Complete with final bread layer:

Cover the filling completely with the remaining brioche cubes creating a full top layer. This ensures the filling stays in place during baking and creates a beautiful golden top.

Pour the custard mixture:

Thoroughly whisk together eggs milk maple syrup vanilla and salt until completely combined then pour slowly and evenly over all the bread cubes. Press down gently to help absorption.

Refrigerate overnight:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture creating the perfect texture.

Bring to room temperature:

Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps the casserole bake more evenly from edge to center.

Bake covered then uncovered:

Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes then uncover and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center feels firm when gently pressed.

Garnish and serve:

Immediately before serving sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries and dust with confectioners sugar for a beautiful presentation that adds fresh flavor and texture contrast.

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The brioche bread is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. When I tried making it with regular sandwich bread once the texture was completely different. The rich buttery nature of brioche creates that perfect custard interior while still maintaining structure during baking.

Make Ahead Options

This French toast casserole was designed for convenience. You can prepare it entirely the night before and simply bake in the morning. For even more advance planning you can cube the bread and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days before assembling. The complete unbaked casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this casserole pairs wonderfully with additional toppings. Try offering a selection of maple syrup whipped cream and berry compote on the side. For a complete brunch spread serve alongside savory options like bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. Coffee and mimosas complete the perfect brunch experience.

Seasonal Variations

While strawberries create a classic version this recipe welcomes seasonal adaptations. In summer try peaches and blueberries for a beautiful color contrast. Fall brings opportunities for apple cinnamon combinations with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Winter holidays call for cranberry orange variations with a hint of cinnamon. The base recipe remains the same simply swap the fruit and adjust spices accordingly.

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Enjoy this irresistible and easy breakfast casserole filled with layers of sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness for any special occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this French toast the night before?

Yes! This is actually designed as a make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Just remember to let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

→ What can I substitute for brioche bread?

If brioche isn't available, challah, Texas toast, or French bread make excellent substitutes. The key is using a slightly sweet, rich bread that can absorb the custard without falling apart.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for optimal flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly first to prevent excess moisture, and consider using them only in the filling layer, not as a topping.

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

The top should be golden brown, and the center should be firm but still slightly moist. Insert a knife in the center - it should come out clean without liquid egg mixture. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while the center finishes cooking.

→ What can I serve with this for a complete brunch?

This dish pairs beautifully with savory sides like bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A simple fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or mimosas would round out a perfect brunch menu.

→ Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or bananas would all work wonderfully. You can use a single fruit or create a mixed berry version depending on what's in season.