Oh, let me tell you about the joy of breakfast! There’s something magical about that first meal of the day, especially when it’s something as delightful as Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast. Picture this: the sun is just beginning to rise, and you’re greeted by the sweet, fruity aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with the rich, creamy goodness of custard-soaked brioche. It’s a warm hug on a plate!

Every time I whip this up, I’m transported back to those lazy Sunday mornings spent with my family around the breakfast table. We’d gather, laughter ringing through the air, as I served up this beautiful dish, golden and bubbling from the oven. My favorite part? Watching everyone’s eyes light up with that first bite. Trust me, the combination of juicy strawberries and creamy filling is simply irresistible!

This isn’t just any French toast; it’s a showstopper. The way the strawberries soften and release their juices, soaking into the fluffy brioche, is pure bliss. So, whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself on a weekday, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Let’s dive into how to make this deliciousness happen!

Ingredients for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready to go before you start, so here’s what you’ll need:

1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed: This is the star of the show! Brioche is soft and buttery, making it perfect for soaking up all that delicious custard.
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Trust me, they’ll add a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
4 large eggs: These will help create that lovely custard texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
2 cups milk: Whole milk works wonderfully, but you can use any milk you prefer. It adds creaminess to the dish.
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: This is my secret ingredient for that rich, creamy texture. Make sure it’s soft to blend easily!
1/4 cup sugar: Adjust this based on how sweet you like it. The strawberries will also bring their own sweetness to the mix.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and coziness to your French toast.
Butter for greasing: Don’t skip this step! A little butter will prevent sticking and add even more flavor.

Now that you’ve got everything ready, we’re all set to create this delicious breakfast treat!

How to Prepare Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part—preparing this heavenly dish! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering breakfast that’ll impress everyone!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your French toast is ready to go in!
Next, grab a baking dish and grease it generously with butter. This will not only keep your French toast from sticking but also add a lovely flavor.
Now, layer the cubed brioche bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Don’t worry about it being perfect; just make sure it’s spread out nicely!
Spread those luscious sliced strawberries over the bread. They’ll soften and release their juices while baking, making everything even more delightful.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens—making that rich custard!
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries. Be sure to cover everything so that every bite is soaked in that deliciousness.
Now, let it sit for 15 minutes. This is crucial! It gives the bread time to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Once the time is up, pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and puffy. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Finally, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a minute. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast! You deserve it!

And there you have it! A simple yet impressive breakfast that’ll make your mornings feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans!
Rich Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy custard creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Impressive Presentation: When you take that first bite, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful, golden-brown dish that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a feast for the eyes!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this decadent breakfast, making it a hit at the breakfast table!
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning, saving you precious time!
Versatile Recipe: Feel free to swap in other fruits or add nuts to customize it to your family’s taste. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

Now, let’s talk about how to ensure your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast turns out absolutely divine! I’ve got a few pro tips to help you nail it every time:

Use Day-Old Bread: If you can, use day-old brioche. It soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy. If you only have fresh bread, just let it sit out for a bit to dry out.
Soak Longer for Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the bread soak for 30 minutes instead of just 15. This gives the flavors even more time to mingle and makes for a richer taste!
Mix It Up: Don’t hesitate to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can even throw in some chopped nuts for added crunch. It’s a great way to customize this recipe!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on it while it bakes. Ovens can vary, so if it’s golden brown and puffy, it’s ready! A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation, dust the finished dish with powdered sugar just before serving. It looks so inviting!
Serve with Toppings: Consider serving your French toast with whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt. Trust me, it takes the deliciousness up a notch!

With these tips, I promise you’ll create a breakfast masterpiece that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking!

Variations on Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Now, let’s get a little creative! One of the best things about this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is how versatile it can be. You can easily swap ingredients or add in different flavors to keep things exciting. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

Mixed Berry Delight: Instead of just strawberries, throw in some blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The more berries, the merrier, and it creates a beautiful, colorful dish!
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add some chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a decadent twist. Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven!
Coconut Cream: Substitute half of the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking. It adds a tropical flair that’s simply irresistible!
Peachy Keen: Use fresh sliced peaches in place of strawberries. Their juicy sweetness pairs beautifully with the creamy custard for a summertime treat!
Nutty Banana: Layer in some sliced bananas and sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor. It’s like a banana bread French toast mashup!
Maple Pecan: Add chopped pecans into the custard or sprinkle them on top before baking along with a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy, comforting vibe.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own combinations! The sky’s the limit, and it’s all about what you and your loved ones enjoy most. Happy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve whipped up a fabulous batch of Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, and now you’re left with some delicious leftovers. No worries! Here’s how to store and reheat them, so you can enjoy this delightful dish for days to come.

First things first, let your French toast cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s cooled, you can transfer it into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any unwanted moisture. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3–4 days, so you can savor those sweet flavors for breakfast or even a late-night snack!

When you’re ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast just as much the next day. Happy munching!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Before you dig into your delicious Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, I just want to remind you that the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some general estimates, they’re not set in stone. If you’re keeping an eye on your diet, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of your products for the most accurate information. Enjoy every bite, and remember, balance is key!

FAQ About Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your dish. They’ll still bring that delicious fruity flavor!

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. It’s super easy to make it fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor!

Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, you can! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed!

What should I serve with it?
I love adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup on top! You can also serve it with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and puffy, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If it looks too jiggly, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Enjoy the anticipation—it’s worth the wait!

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast: 7 Steps to Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious baked strawberries and cream French toast.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Butter for greasing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Layer the cubed brioche bread in the dish.
Spread the sliced strawberries over the bread.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and strawberries.
Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
Can substitute with other berries.
Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

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