Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines all the best elements of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The cream cheese melts into the custard-soaked bread, creating a luxurious texture, while the maple syrup and vanilla give it a sweet, comforting flavor. You can prep it the night before and simply bake it in the morning—stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
⅓ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (for garnish)

Directions

Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Add a layer of cubed brioche bread to the dish.
- Sprinkle cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes to completely cover the filling.
Make the Custard:
- In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Serve:
- Garnish with the remaining strawberries and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chill time)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Berry Mix: Swap some of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm spice flavor.
Nut Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Creamy Upgrade: Add a layer of strawberry jam or lemon curd with the cream cheese for an extra flavor punch.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Challah, French bread, or any rich, sturdy bread works well. Avoid overly soft breads that may get mushy.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and nonstick spray. The result will still be creamy and flavorful.

4. Can I use less sugar?

Absolutely. You can reduce or omit the maple syrup in the custard and use a sugar substitute if preferred.

5. Can I prepare and freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

6. How do I prevent it from being soggy?

Let the bread soak but not become oversaturated, and ensure you bake it long enough for the center to firm up.

7. Can I add a crumb topping?

Yes! Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and flour to create a crumb topping to sprinkle before baking for extra texture.

8. How long should it cool before serving?

Let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking to help the custard set and make serving easier.

9. Can I make individual portions?

Yes, divide the ingredients into ramekins or muffin tins and bake until golden and set.

10. Can I serve it with syrup?

Definitely! Serve with extra maple syrup, whipped cream, or even yogurt for added flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch centerpiece. It’s rich, creamy, and full of fresh flavor with minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to treat your family, this easy casserole will make any morning feel special.

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

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Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a rich and creamy make-ahead breakfast casserole made with fluffy brioche, pockets of cream cheese, and fresh strawberries—perfect for brunch or special mornings.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Add a layer of cubed brioche bread.
Sprinkle cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries over the bread. Top with remaining bread cubes.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking for 25–30 minutes, until top is golden brown and center is set.
Garnish with remaining strawberries and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm.