If you’re searching for a showstopping brunch dish to wow your guests or simply delight your family, look no further than the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. This heavenly bake transforms breakfast into an occasion, layering fluffy brioche, luscious cream cheese, and juicy strawberries in a sweet custard that soaks overnight for the ultimate comfort. Irresistibly creamy, jammy, and golden on top, it’s everything you want in a morning treat and more—all with minimal fuss and the magic of make-ahead convenience!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe brings something special, from luxurious bread and rich cream cheese to the pop of fresh berries. With just a handful of staples, you’ll create a dreamy Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole that balances sweetness, texture, and a burst of color in every bite.
- Brioche or Challah Bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose a rich, slightly sweet bread for a soft, custardy casserole that soaks up all the delicious flavors without getting mushy.
- Fresh Strawberries (1 1/2 cups, sliced): These bright, juicy berries melt into the dish and provide fruity pockets in every slice—plus, a vibrant pop of color!
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, cut into small cubes): Cream cheese offers a tangy richness that contrasts the sweet custard and provides creamy dollops throughout the bake.
- Large Eggs (6): Eggs set the custard, binding all the layers together while lending richness and body to the casserole.
- Whole Milk (2 cups): This provides creaminess to the custard while keeping it light enough to soak into the bread.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Heavy cream takes the texture to the next level for that ultra-luxurious, decadent bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the custard and helps highlight the natural flavors of the strawberries.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds depth and subtle caramel notes to every forkful for a more complex, satisfying sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): A generous splash of vanilla brings warmth and bakery-style aroma to the dish.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch infuses a whisper of spice that ties the sweet and creamy elements together.
- Powdered Sugar & Extra Strawberries (for serving): These finishing touches make the casserole as stunning as it is delicious—don’t skip them!
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Assemble the Layers
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this little step promises easy serving later and a golden crust all around. Scatter half of your pillowy bread cubes into the dish, then dot evenly with the cream cheese cubes and a generous sprinkle of sliced strawberries. Finally, layer the remaining bread cubes over top, letting the colorful berries and pockets of cream cheese peek through. This layering ensures every scoop is filled with flavor, color, and creamy bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, fragrant vanilla extract, and cinnamon until beautifully blended and smooth. This mixture is the secret to the rich, creamy center—pour it slowly and evenly over the layered bread and berries in your dish, making sure every inch is covered. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up all the goodness.
Step 3: Chill and Soak
Cover your dish with foil or plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours—or, for best results, let it chill overnight. Giving your Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole a long soak allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, melding the flavors and ensuring a luxuriously tender bake that slices like a dream.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to wow everyone, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let your casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the center is set but still just a bit wobbly. This resting time also gives you the perfect opportunity to prep a pot of coffee or drizzle some extra honey on the table.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes—it will slice much more cleanly this way, and you won’t burn your tongue in anticipation. Just before serving, dust with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar and scatter extra fresh strawberries over the top for a vibrant finish. Every piece looks like a slice of summer!
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
For an effortlessly elegant touch, shower the top of the casserole with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. Add heaps of extra sliced strawberries for freshness, and if you’re feeling decadent, a few dollops of softly whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup will make each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
While the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is the star, consider pairing it with savory breakfast sausage, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness. A big bowl of mixed berries or a citrus fruit salad also makes a refreshing counterpoint, and plenty of fresh coffee or orange juice sets the scene for the perfect brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by baking the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized, restaurant-style twist. You could also cut it into squares and serve on a tiered breakfast tray for a dramatic brunch centerpiece. For big gatherings, set up a toppings bar with whipped cream, toasted almonds, chocolate shavings, and honey so everyone can build their own dream slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the cooled casserole with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just long enough to keep celebrating those weekend vibes.
Freezing
To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy another serving, reheat slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a 325°F (165°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through. The texture and flavors revive beautifully, especially with a fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar and strawberries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy. Fresh strawberries, however, will deliver the most vibrant, jammy bursts.
Can I prepare Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole more than a day ahead?
Yes, you can! Assembled up to 24 hours in advance, the casserole soaks up more flavor and is even easier to bake off in the morning. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Can I make this dairy-free?
With a few swaps, it’s possible! Use your favorite non-dairy milk and non-dairy cream cheese, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or additional non-dairy milk for a rich, creamy texture without the dairy.
What can I do if my casserole isn’t set in the middle after baking?
If the center is still liquid after the recommended baking time, cover the casserole with foil and continue baking in 5-minute increments until the custard appears set and no longer jiggles excessively. Every oven is different, so monitor closely for that perfect golden bake.
How do I add a crunchy topping?
For a delightful contrast, sprinkle sliced almonds or your favorite granola over the top before baking. Or, try mixing a simple brown sugar streusel and scattering it over the casserole just before it goes into the oven for an irresistible crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about sharing a homemade Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole—a little bit indulgent, comfortingly nostalgic, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or a breakfast-for-dinner surprise, you’ll fall head over heels for every bite. Gather your loved ones, whip this up, and let the cozy, berry-filled vibes begin!
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Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat. Creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberries, this make-ahead dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely morning with loved ones.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cut into small cubes)
Custard Mixture:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Additional:
- Powdered sugar and extra strawberries for serving
Instructions
- Grease the Baking Dish: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the bread cubes in the dish, followed by cream cheese and strawberries. Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Prepare Custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over the bread, pressing gently. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes until set.
- Finish and Serve: Let cool, dust with powdered sugar, and add strawberries before serving.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
- For added crunch, top with sliced almonds or streusel before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
