Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Ever have one of those weekend mornings where you crave something special for breakfast, but the thought of standing over a hot stove feels like a monumental task? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is my ultimate secret weapon. It’s like a warm, creamy, berry-filled hug on a plate, and the best part? You do almost all the work the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’re on your way to becoming a brunch hero. This dish is pure, decadent comfort food that feels fancy but is secretly a breeze to pull off.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

If the promise of a make-ahead breakfast that makes your whole house smell incredible isn’t enough, here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:

• Perfect for a Crowd: No more flipping slices of French toast one by one while everyone else eats. This bakes up all at once!
• Overnight Magic: Let it soak in the fridge while you sleep. In the morning, just bake and enjoy.
• Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, juicy strawberries and a rich, creamy custard make every bite absolute heaven.
• Less Stress, More Joy: It frees you up to sip your coffee and actually enjoy your guests’ company.

Ingredients For Your Breakfast Bliss

Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple masterpiece. I bet you have most of it in your kitchen already

Print

• 1 loaf (about 16 oz) French or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or additional granulated sugar
• Maple syrup and extra strawberries, for serving

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gear for this! Just grab a 9×13 inch baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a whisk. That’s it!

How To Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Follow these simple steps for a stress-free and delicious breakfast.

1. Prep the Pan: Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Layer the Base: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Scatter the cream cheese cubes and most of the sliced strawberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
3. Whisk the Custard: In that large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Soak Overnight: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers in the dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread, helping it soak up all that creamy goodness. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
5. Bake to Perfection: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish from the fridge, remove the plastic, and sprinkle the top with the coarse sugar. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set perfectly. Top with the remaining fresh strawberries and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks for the Best French Toast Bake

Here are a few things I’ve learned from making this countless times for my family:

• Bread is Key: Stale bread is actually your friend here! It soaks up the custard without getting too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and leave it out on a baking sheet for a few hours to dry out a bit.
• Cream Cheese Hack: For easier cubing, pop the block of cream cheese into the freezer for about 15 minutes first. It will firm up and be much less sticky to cut.
• Don’t Skimp on Soaking: That overnight rest in the fridge is non-negotiable for the best texture. It allows every single cube of bread to become saturated with the custard.
• Test for Doneness: The center should be set and not jiggle much when you gently shake the pan. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with a piece of aluminum foil.

What to Serve With Your French Toast Bake

This dish is wonderfully rich and satisfying on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside a few simple sides. For a true feast, pair it with some crispy oven-baked to balance the sweetness. A light, fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad can also provide a nice, refreshing contrast. And of course, a hot pot of coffee or a pitcher of fresh orange juice is mandatory!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

You can, but I highly recommend thawing and draining them very well first. Frozen berries release a lot of liquid while baking, which can make your French toast bake soggy.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast all week long!

Can I freeze this baked French toast?

Absolutely! Once baked and completely cooled, cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a different twist, you can substitute mascarpone cheese or even use ricotta. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

There you have it! A simple, stunning, and incredibly delicious Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast that’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or when you just want to treat your family to something extra special without the extra work. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into pure magic. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.