Description
This delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of brioche bread, creamy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a rich custard. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Bread and Fillings: Spread half of the brioche or challah bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Scatter the cubed cream cheese and half of the sliced strawberries over this first layer of bread. Then, add the remaining bread cubes followed by the remaining strawberries, creating layered texture and flavor.
- Make Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard evenly, ensuring a custardy inside.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours. This resting period allows the bread to soak thoroughly, developing rich flavor and texture.
- Bake: When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the French toast casserole for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set without being jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; just thaw and drain excess liquid before layering.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add a layer of strawberry jam between bread layers.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
