Sunny came across this baked strawberries and cream French toast while scrolling Pinterest late at night, saving ideas for a slow weekend morning. One pin showed a casserole bubbling with strawberries and streaks of creamy filling. She is not an expert cook, yet baked breakfasts always feel safer to her than standing at the stove flipping slices. She liked that everything went into one dish and baked while coffee brewed. Even if it puffed unevenly or browned a little extra on the edges, she knew it would still taste comforting. That easy confidence is what makes this baked strawberries and cream French toast such a good choice for relaxed mornings and shared brunches.
Table of Contents
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Overview
What Makes This French Toast Different
Baked strawberries and cream French toast stands apart from traditional stovetop versions because it bakes as a casserole. Instead of dipping and frying individual slices, cubed bread soaks in a custard and bakes all at once. This method creates a soft interior with lightly crisp edges. The strawberries release juices as they bake, which flavor the bread naturally.
The cream element adds richness without heaviness. Small pockets of cream cheese melt gently into the custard, creating a layered texture. Because everything bakes together, the flavors blend smoothly. The result feels indulgent yet familiar, which makes it suitable for both everyday breakfasts and special occasions.
Why Baking Works Better for Brunch
Baking French toast works especially well for brunch because it removes timing pressure. You can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it when needed. That flexibility matters when cooking for others. While the oven does the work, you can set the table or prepare fruit and drinks.
Another benefit is consistency. Baking ensures every serving tastes the same. No slice cooks faster than another. Because of that, baked strawberries and cream French toast feels reliable. It also slices cleanly, which makes serving easy and keeps the presentation neat.
Ingredients for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Ingredient List With Measurements
The ingredients below follow verified recipe logic and use US standard measurements.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Brioche or French bread, cubed | 1 loaf (about 10 cups) |
| Fresh strawberries, sliced | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cream cheese, cubed | 8 ounces |
| Large eggs | 6 |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter | For greasing dish |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | For serving |
| Maple syrup (optional) | For serving |
These ingredients create balance. Bread absorbs custard without falling apart. Strawberries add freshness. Cream cheese brings richness.
Ingredient Tips for Best Results
Choose bread that feels slightly stale. Brioche or French bread works well because it absorbs liquid while holding structure. Very fresh bread may become too soft. If needed, cube the bread and let it sit out briefly before assembling.
Fresh strawberries work best because they soften without becoming watery. Slice them evenly so they distribute well. Cream cheese should be cold enough to cube cleanly but not frozen. This helps create defined creamy pockets during baking.
How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Assembling the French Toast Casserole
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Scatter half of the strawberries and half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, strawberries, and cream cheese, creating visible layers.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press gently so all pieces absorb liquid. At this stage, the dish can rest for 30 minutes or be covered and refrigerated overnight.
Baking and Resting for Best Texture
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center sets and the top turns lightly golden. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last part of baking.
Once baked, let the French toast rest for about 10 minutes. This short rest helps the custard firm slightly, which improves slicing and texture. Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired.
Serving Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
How to Serve for Brunch or Breakfast
This dish works well as the centerpiece of a brunch table. Serve it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or simple breakfast meats if desired. Because the French toast already contains fruit and cream, it feels complete on its own.
Cut into squares for easy serving. The layers stay visible, which adds visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances presentation without extra effort.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warm. The texture remains soft and creamy.
For make-ahead preparation, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Baking it fresh in the morning keeps the flavor bright and the texture balanced.
FAQs
Can I prepare baked strawberries and cream French toast the night before?
Yes, this recipe works very well as an overnight dish. Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best texture.
What type of bread works best for baked French toast?
Brioche or French bread works best because it absorbs custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread gives the most reliable result.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best. Frozen strawberries release more liquid and can soften the casserole too much.
How do I know when baked French toast is done?
The center should be set, not liquid, and the top should be lightly golden. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Does this French toast reheat well?
Yes, leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave. The texture stays soft and creamy.
Baked strawberries and cream French toast turns a familiar breakfast into something that feels thoughtful and comforting. Baking everything in one dish removes stress and allows flavors to blend naturally. The strawberries add freshness, while the cream cheese brings richness without heaviness. Whether served for a slow weekend morning or a special brunch, this recipe delivers reliable texture, balanced flavor, and an inviting presentation that encourages sharing.
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or French bread cubed (about 10 cups)
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing dish
- Powdered sugar for serving optional
- Maple syrup for serving optional
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread half of the bread cubes in the dish and top with half of the strawberries and cream cheese.
- Repeat with remaining bread, strawberries, and cream cheese.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread and press gently to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with syrup if desired.