Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

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Introduction

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that takes indulgence to a whole new level. Imagine soft, golden-brown French toast soaked in a rich, creamy custard, then baked to perfection and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. The combination of fluffy bread, velvety creaminess, and fruity freshness creates a breakfast treat that feels as luxurious as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself to a cozy morning, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how effortlessly the flavors melded together. As the French toast baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of strawberries and vanilla filled the house, making the whole experience feel warm and comforting. By the time it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew this dish was destined to be a crowd-pleaser.

What I love most about Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is how simple it is to prepare while still feeling indulgent. You can prep it the night before, then bake it in the morning for a stress-free yet impressive brunch. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate it further. No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to make any day feel a little more special and a whole lot more delicious.

Perfect for:

  • Weekend brunch
  • Special occasions
  • Holiday breakfasts
  • Family gatherings
  • Sweet tooth cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast will become your go-to breakfast:

  • Rich and Creamy: The combination of fresh strawberries and a smooth cream cheese custard makes each bite irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
  • Baked Convenience: This dish is baked in the oven, allowing you to prepare it in advance, saving you time on busy mornings.
  • Sweet and Tangy: The sweetness of the strawberries balances beautifully with the tangy cream cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Perfect for Sharing: With a large, shareable casserole, this recipe is ideal for feeding a group at brunch or a family breakfast.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the dish the night before and bake it in the morning, making it perfect for holiday mornings or busy weekends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast:

  • 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • French Bread: Thick slices of French bread provide a hearty, soft base that absorbs the custard without falling apart.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring a burst of sweetness and freshness that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a subtle tang to the custard, giving it a creamy texture and flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the custard a velvety smooth texture and rich taste.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the strawberries and cream perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the French Toast:

  1. Prep the Bread: Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.
  2. Prepare the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Spread the Cream Cheese: In a separate small bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Gently spread the cream cheese with a spatula to cover the bread slices.
  4. Pour the Custard: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all the slices are coated. Press the bread gently into the custard to soak it up.
  5. Add the Strawberries: Scatter the sliced strawberries over the top of the bread in the baking dish.

Bake the French Toast:

  1. Let It Soak: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Bake: Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking until done.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side for added sweetness.

How to Serve

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a show-stopping breakfast or brunch dish that can be served in various ways:

  • With Extra Berries: Serve with additional fresh strawberries or mixed berries on top for even more fruit flavor.
  • With Maple Syrup: Drizzle with warm maple syrup for a classic touch of sweetness.
  • With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.
  • With a Side of Bacon or Sausages: Pair with crispy bacon or savory sausage links to balance the sweetness of the French toast.
  • For Special Occasions: Serve it for holidays like Easter, Christmas, or Mother’s Day for a festive breakfast option.

Additional Tips

  • Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and bake it the next morning.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar to suit your taste. Add more for a sweeter dish or reduce it for a more balanced flavor.
  • Use Stale Bread: Stale bread works best for French toast since it absorbs more custard. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly.
  • Add a Streusel Topping: For an extra crunch, top the French toast with a streusel topping made from butter, flour, and brown sugar before baking.
  • Customize the Fruit: Try using other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, or even add sliced bananas for variety.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast:

  1. Blueberries and Cream French Toast: Swap the strawberries for fresh blueberries for a different berry flavor.
  2. Peach and Cream French Toast: Use fresh peaches or canned peaches for a summery twist.
  3. Nutella French Toast: Spread Nutella between the bread slices for a chocolatey addition.
  4. Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls in place of French bread for a gooey, cinnamon-flavored version.
  5. Banana Foster French Toast: Top with sliced bananas and a rich, rum-based sauce for a decadent treat.
  6. Raspberry Almond French Toast: Add fresh raspberries and toasted sliced almonds for a nutty, fruity flavor.
  7. Mixed Berry French Toast: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful, fruity topping.
  8. Apple Cinnamon French Toast: Add sautéed apples with cinnamon and brown sugar for a warm, fall-inspired dish.
  9. Tropical French Toast: Add coconut flakes and pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor.
  10. Maple Pecan French Toast: Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for a nutty, sweet variation.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: To freeze, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
  • Storage: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Plastic Wrap (for overnight soaking)

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or even a hearty whole wheat bread for different textures and flavors.
  2. Can I make this dish dairy-free? You can substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, like coconut milk or almond milk, and vegan cream cheese.
  3. How can I make this French toast extra crispy? For a crispy texture, try broiling the French toast for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to brown the top.
  4. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, but frozen strawberries can also be used if thawed and drained well.
  5. Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two separate baking dishes for a larger crowd.

Conclusion

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch dish. With its soft, fluffy French toast, creamy custard, and sweet, juicy strawberries, it’s a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or enjoying a cozy weekend breakfast, this dish is sure to impress.

Its make-ahead convenience allows you to prep it the night before, saving you time in the morning while still delivering that fresh, delicious flavor. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

I can’t wait to see your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you put your twist on this classic dish. Don’t forget to share your tips or variations in the comments. Happy baking!

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