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Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

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Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a cozy, custard-soaked breakfast casserole layered with sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberries. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or make-ahead mornings.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla to make the custard.
  4. Add half of the bread cubes to the baking dish. Dot with spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and half of the sliced strawberries.
  5. Repeat with the remaining bread, more cream cheese mixture, and remaining strawberries.
  6. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and gently press down to soak.
  7. Let sit for 15–20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for best texture).
  8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and set.
  9. Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use stale or day-old bread so it absorbs the custard better.
  • Substitute strawberries with any berries or a fruit mix.
  • Add lemon zest to the custard for brightness.
  • Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta for a flavor twist.
  • Can be made dairy-free with plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/baked-strawberries-and-cream-french-toast/