This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a delightful way to surprise your family with a special breakfast or brunch. The combination of fluffy brioche, creamy cheese, and fresh strawberries makes a sweet yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. By preparing it the night before, you eliminate morning stress and ensure everyone can enjoy a leisurely meal together.
Why cook this at home
One of the standout features of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and basic ingredients, you can create something truly delicious. This dish is ideal for family gatherings or lazy weekend mornings when you want to serve something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, its versatility allows for easy customization based on your family’s preferences.
Steps at a glance
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Prepare brioche and layer with cream cheese and strawberries.
- Create a custard mixture with eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Refrigerate the assembled dish overnight.
- Bake until golden brown and set.
Key ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread or fruit depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
How to prepare it
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Cut the brioche into cubes and place half of them in the baking dish.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the brioche, then add the sliced strawberries on top.
- Add the remaining brioche cubes to the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread and strawberries.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
What to serve it with
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of maple syrup or whipped cream for extra creaminess. You can also complement it with a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
How to store and freeze
For leftovers, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish can also be frozen; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep out air and moisture. For best quality, use it within a month. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them until heated, ensuring they reach a safe temperature.
Tips for best results
- Thoroughly soften the cream cheese before spreading for easier application.
- Choose ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Allow the assembled dish to rest in the fridge overnight to let the custard soak into the brioche, enhancing the texture.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding a topping of crushed nuts or granola before baking.
Ways to change it up
Consider swapping strawberries for other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, or even using bananas for a different flavor profile. You could also infuse the custard mixture with orange zest for a citrus twist or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nuttier flavor.
Helpful answers
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, other types of bread such as challah or sourdough can also work well. Just ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the custard.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The active preparation time is about 20-30 minutes, but remember to factor in the overnight refrigeration.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free bread option and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How should I reheat the baked French toast?
To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Is it safe to leave leftovers at room temperature?
Leftovers should not be left out for more than two hours. Always refrigerate to ensure food safety.
This recipe is not only a pleasure to make but a joy to share with loved ones. As you experiment with the ingredients and flavors, you might create your own unique twist. Have fun with it and make this Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake a staple in your breakfast rotation.
PrintStrawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
A delightful breakfast dish featuring brioche, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, perfect for family gatherings or lazy mornings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Cut the brioche into cubes and place half in the baking dish.
- Spread the softened cream cheese over the brioche, then add the sliced strawberries on top.
- Add the remaining brioche cubes to the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the bread and strawberries.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and set.
Notes
Thoroughly soften cream cheese for easier spreading. Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Consider adding nuts or granola on top for crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
