Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a decadent and comforting breakfast casserole that’s perfect for weekends, brunch gatherings, or holiday mornings. Featuring layers of soft bread, luscious cream cheese, and juicy strawberries, all soaked in a sweet custard and baked to perfection, this dish is both rich and refreshing. It combines the indulgence of cheesecake with the cozy warmth of French toast.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

bread (preferably brioche or challah)cream cheesefresh strawberrieseggsmilkheavy creamgranulated sugarvanilla extractmaple syrupground cinnamonpowdered sugar (for topping)

directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Cube the cream cheese and slice the strawberries.

Spread half of the bread cubes in the baking dish. Top with half of the cream cheese and strawberries. Repeat the layers with remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and press down gently to soak.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and set.

Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10.Preparation time: 20 minutesChill time: 4 hours or overnightBaking time: 45–50 minutesTotal time: approximately 5 hours (including chill)

Variations

Use blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries instead of strawberries.

Add a touch of lemon zest to the custard for a bright twist.

Substitute flavored cream cheese (like strawberry or honey) for an extra flavor boost.

Top with sliced almonds or chopped pecans for a crunchy finish.

Make it dairy-free using plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or bake in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this French toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for overnight prep. Just assemble, refrigerate, and bake the next morning.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

What kind of bread works best?

Rich, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread holds up best in this recipe.

Can I add syrup to the custard?

Absolutely. A couple of tablespoons of maple syrup in the custard adds extra sweetness and flavor.

Is it okay to skip the overnight chill?

A minimum of 4 hours is recommended, but overnight chilling yields the best texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free bread, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

How do I prevent the top from getting too brown?

If needed, loosely tent the dish with foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking dishes and adjust baking time as needed.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use all milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake brings together everything you love about breakfast in one satisfying dish. It’s creamy, fruity, slightly crispy on top, and absolutely indulgent. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to make an ordinary morning feel special, this make-ahead recipe is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table.