Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake

If you’re craving a breakfast that’s easy yet indulgent, this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake is perfect. It’s rich, custardy, and packed with sweet strawberries, warm cinnamon, and creamy pockets of cream cheese. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or a cozy morning treat, this baked French toast will impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Unlike traditional French toast, there’s no flipping required. Instead, just layer the ingredients, pour the custard, and bake. Even better, you can prepare it the night before, making breakfast effortless.

Additionally, this recipe is versatile. While strawberries add fruity sweetness, you can swap them for blueberries, raspberries, or even mixed berries. If you love a little crunch, try adding toasted almonds or pecans. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar makes every bite irresistible.

So, if you need a foolproof brunch dish that’s both delicious and stunning, this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Bake is the way to go. Try it once, and it will become a go-to favorite for special mornings. Give it a try today, and enjoy every bite!

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

12 oz brioche bread (about 1 small loaf), cut into cubes
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (about 10–12 oz)
7 large eggs
1 ¾ cup whole milk
6 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
3 tbsp maple syrup
Powdered sugar, for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Layer the bread and cream cheese: Spread half of the brioche cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Scatter half of the sliced strawberries and cream cheese cubes over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread, strawberries, and cream cheese.

3. Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

4. Pour the mixture: Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to fully soak.

5. Add melted butter and bake: Drizzle melted butter over the top, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 42–47 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

6. Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use Day-Old Brioche for the Best Texture – Fresh brioche is delicious, but slightly stale bread absorbs the custard much better, creating a creamy interior while keeping the top crisp. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it before assembling.
Let the Custard Soak for Even Flavor – Allowing the brioche to soak in the custard for at least 15–20 minutes ensures every bite is rich and flavorful. For even better results, you can refrigerate the assembled dish overnight and bake it fresh in the morning.
Balance the Sweetness with a Topping – While this baked French toast has a naturally sweet flavor, finishing it with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey enhances the taste without overpowering the dish. Fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add the perfect final touch!