Baked Strawberries and Cream Toast

This baked strawberries and cream french toast brings a fresh twist to a classic favorite. It’s rich and fluffy with bursts of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese, making it ideal for brunch or a special breakfast treat at home.

I first made this on a lazy Sunday morning and it instantly became a weekend tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Brioche bread cubes: rich and buttery, ideal for soaking up custard
• Cream cheese: adds smooth creaminess and slight tang to each bite
• Strawberries diced and divided: fresh fruit brings brightness and natural sweetness, pick firm ripe berries for best texture
• Large eggs beaten: create the custard base to bind everything together
• Whole milk: adds moisture and richness, helps soften the bread evenly
• Maple syrup: natural sweetener giving warmth and depth, use pure if possible
• Vanilla extract: enhances sweetness and aroma gently
• Kosher salt: balances flavors and enhances sweetness subtly
• Confectioners’ sugar: final dusting for a pretty finish and hint of extra sweetness

How to Make It

Sauté the Aromatics:

Lightly coat a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Arrange a layer of the brioche bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Distribute the cubed cream cheese and half of the diced strawberries in a uniform layer over the bread. Cover this with the remaining bread cubes to seal in the filling and create layers.

Mix the Custard:

In a large glass measuring cup or mixing bowl whisk together the beaten eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until combined fully and smooth. Make sure to incorporate some air in the mix for fluffiness.

Soak the Bread:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled bread layers. Press lightly so the liquid absorbs fully. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or ideally overnight. This step allows the custard to soak into the bread creating a rich, custardy texture throughout.

Bake the Dish:

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes to ensure even cooking. Place the dish in the oven covered with foil or a lid for thirty minutes. This gentle cooking starts the custard setting.

Finish Browning:

After thirty minutes, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional twenty five to thirty minutes. This step browns the french toast and firms up the center achieving a golden crust and custardy inside.

Serve and Garnish:

Immediately sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries on top along with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

One memorable morning my family woke up early just to catch this fresh out of the oven, the smell filling the house made it worth the wait every time.

Flavor Boosters

Pair with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of toasted almonds adds delightful contrast. Serve alongside fresh berries and crispy bacon or sausages for a balanced brunch plate.

Serving Suggestions

Swap strawberries in spring and summer for other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for seasonally appropriate flavors. In fall, try baked apple and cinnamon with cream cheese or pumpkin pie spice for warm, cozy variations. Adjust syrup and fruit quantities accordingly to balance sweetness.

Creative Twists

French toast has roots tracing back to medieval Europe but evolved into many forms worldwide. This baked custard style often appears in American brunches, especially during holidays. Incorporating strawberries and cream cheese adds an elegant, fresh twist highlighting seasonal produce and creamy textures loved in French desserts.

This baked strawberries and cream french toast is perfect for weekend brunches and easy to prepare ahead. Its creamy custard and fresh fruit make every bite a delightful experience.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of bread is best for this dish?

Brioche bread works best due to its soft texture and slight sweetness, which complements the creamy and fruity layers perfectly.

→ Can this dish be prepared the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread mixture overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and the custard to fully absorb, enhancing taste and texture.

→ How can I tell when it is fully baked?

The dish should be golden brown on top and the center should feel firm to the touch, not liquid or overly jiggly.

→ Is there a recommended serving suggestion?

Serve warm, topped with fresh strawberries and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for added sweetness and presentation.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

While cream cheese provides a rich texture, mascarpone or ricotta can be used for a different but complementary creaminess.