If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining the pillowy texture of challah bread, the luscious creaminess of cream cheese, and the bright, juicy burst of fresh strawberries, this casserole is a celebration of comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s not just French toast; it’s a dreamy, make-ahead dish that transforms any morning into something special without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Together, they create the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and just the right touch of spice to keep every mouthful interesting and satisfying.
- Challah or brioche loaf: Using a rich, soft bread is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Fresh strawberries: They lend vibrant color and a natural sweetness that brightens the dish.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a dreamy creaminess that contrasts so well with the juicy fruit.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: A sprinkle of vanilla amps up the overall flavor complexity.
- Eggs: These bind everything together beautifully and create a custardy base.
- Milk and heavy cream: They combine to make a luxurious, silky custard that soaks into the bread.
- Maple syrup: Adds a subtle depth of natural sweetness and warmth.
- Flour: Used in the crumb topping for that perfect crisp texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like richness to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm kiss of spice that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Unsalted butter, cold and chopped: Creates a buttery, crumbly topping that bakes up golden and irresistible.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Base Layers
Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, layer half of the cubed challah or brioche evenly across the bottom. Top this with half the sliced fresh strawberries, scattering them to create bursts of sweetness throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Dollops
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this luscious mixture evenly over the strawberries and bread, creating little pockets of creamy goodness that will melt into the casserole as it bakes.
Step 3: Layer Again
Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the sliced strawberries. This double layer ensures every bite is studded with fresh, juicy strawberry flavor and rich cream cheese surprises.
Step 4: Pour the Custard
Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup together in a large bowl until well combined. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over the layered bread and fruit, then gently press down to help the bread absorb all those luxurious custard flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping will bake up golden and crisp, perfectly complementing the soft custardy interior of the casserole.
Step 6: Chill and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, bring the dish to room temperature while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, fresh strawberry slices and a dusting of powdered sugar add a pretty and flavorful touch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a spoonful of whipped cream can turn this dish into a breakfast fit for any special occasion.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausages offers a wonderful balance of flavors. Fresh fruit salad or orange juice make fresh and light complements to balance the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in cute ramekins for a charming brunch presentation, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. You can also experiment with other fresh fruits like blueberries or peaches to make your own spin on this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked casserole before the chilling step by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed to enjoy later.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through to keep the topping crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are ideal for their richness and softness, you can substitute with other sturdy breads like Texas toast or even a rustic white loaf. Just be sure to use bread that can soak up the custard well without falling apart.
Is it necessary to soak the casserole overnight?
While not mandatory, soaking the casserole overnight or for at least 2 hours lets the bread fully absorb the custard, making the texture wonderfully creamy. It also enhances the flavors, so it’s well worth the wait if you have the time.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread and a gluten-free flour blend for the topping to adapt this recipe. Just make sure your other ingredients like maple syrup and vanilla extract are also gluten-free for the best results.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace butter with a vegan butter substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced peaches can be swapped in or mixed with strawberries for different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that comes together with minimal fuss, yet fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your heart with joy. This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe is that kind of recipe — perfect for sharing with loved ones on a relaxed weekend morning or a festive holiday brunch. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic morning treat!
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Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful blend of soft challah bread, fresh strawberries, and creamy custard, topped with a cinnamon-brown sugar crumb. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it combines rich flavors and textures that make for a comforting and indulgent dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom and top with half of the sliced strawberries.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries layer.
- Add Remaining Bread and Strawberries: Layer the remaining bread cubes and sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer, distributing them evenly.
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the entire bread and strawberry layers, then press lightly to help the bread soak up the custard.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the casserole.
- Chill the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old challah or brioche so the bread holds up well without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute fresh blueberries or raspberries for strawberries depending on your preference.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before for easy morning preparation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and dairy milk with suitable plant-based alternatives.
