Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a candy, indulgent breakfast bake that mixes layers of sentimental, custard-soaked bread with recent strawberries and wealthy cream cheese. Baked till golden and topped with a candy glaze or powdered sugar, this casserole is ideal for brunches, vacation mornings, or a make-ahead weekend breakfast the entire household will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the traditional flavors of strawberries and cream and transforms them into a simple, crowd-pleasing casserole. It’s easy to assemble, particularly if ready the night time earlier than, and bakes right into a comfortable, creamy inside with crisp, golden edges. The steadiness of candy strawberries, wealthy cream cheese, and tender bread makes each chunk really feel like a heat hug.

substances

(Tip: You’ll discover the total record of substances and measurements within the recipe card under.)

• Brioche or French bread (cubed, day-old most popular)
• Recent strawberries (sliced)
• Cream cheese (cubed or softened)
• Eggs
• Milk (complete milk or half-and-half for richness)
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon (non-compulsory)
• Salt
• Non-compulsory toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, strawberry glaze

instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly within the dish.
2. Scatter half of the cream cheese and strawberries over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.
3. In a big bowl, whisk collectively eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon (if utilizing), and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour the custard combination evenly over the layered bread. Press down frivolously to assist the bread take in the liquid.
5. Cowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or in a single day.
6. When able to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Let casserole sit at room temperature whereas the oven heats.
7. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or till golden brown and set within the heart.
8. Let relaxation for 10 minutes, then high with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze or syrup earlier than serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: quarter-hour
Chill time: 2 hours to in a single day
Bake time: 45 minutes
Whole time: 3 hours (or in a single day)
Servings: 8–10 servings

Variations

• Berry mix: Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries together with the strawberries.
• Chocolate twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers for a dessert-like model.
• Lemon zest: Add lemon zest to the custard for a recent citrus observe.
• Nutty addition: Prime with sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk, cream cheese, and butter substitutes.

storage/reheating

Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.

To reheat, bake particular person servings at 325°F for 10–quarter-hour or microwave for 1–2 minutes till warmed by means of.

FAQs

Can I make this forward of time?

Sure! It’s greatest when assembled the night time earlier than and baked recent within the morning.

What sort of bread works greatest?

Brioche, challah, or thick-sliced French bread are perfect. Day-old bread absorbs the custard higher.

Can I take advantage of frozen strawberries?

Sure, simply thaw and drain them effectively to keep away from extra moisture.

Does the cream cheese soften fully?

No, it softens and stays in pockets, including a creamy texture distinction to the bread.

Can I make it with out cream cheese?

Completely. You’ll lose the “cream” component however nonetheless have a scrumptious strawberry French toast casserole.

How do I do know when it’s carried out baking?

The highest must be golden, and a knife inserted within the heart ought to come out principally clear with moist crumbs.

Is that this candy sufficient by itself?

It’s mildly candy. Add syrup, glaze, or powdered sugar in the event you favor a sweeter end.

Can I freeze it?

Sure, bake first, cool fully, then freeze in parts. Reheat from frozen within the oven.

What goes effectively with this?

Serve with whipped cream, maple syrup, yogurt, or recent fruit on the aspect.

Can I make it in a smaller pan?

Sure, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch dish. Regulate the bake time as wanted (about 30–35 minutes).

Conclusion

Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is the last word make-ahead breakfast that feels fancy however comes along with ease. With layers of juicy strawberries, wealthy cream cheese, and comfortable custard-soaked bread, it’s a heat and alluring dish that’s good for particular mornings or informal brunches. One chunk and it’s positive to turn out to be a household favourite!

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