Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast! It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re indulging in a cozy café, even if you’re just at home in your pajamas. Imagine biting into warm, fluffy brioche bread soaked in a luscious mixture of eggs, milk, and cream cheese, all topped off with sweet, juicy strawberries. The flavors blend together so beautifully, and that hint of cinnamon just takes it over the top! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, which is a big win when you’re trying to impress your family or friends. Trust me, once you serve this, everyone will be asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe! It’s a breakfast experience you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed – This rich, buttery bread is the star of the show, soaking up all that delicious custard mixture!
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – Sweet and juicy, these berries bring a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
- 4 large eggs – These help create that fluffy texture that makes each bite so satisfying.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use your favorite kind!
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – This adds a lovely richness and a hint of tang; don’t skip it!
- 1/4 cup sugar – Just the right amount to enhance the sweetness without being overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, inviting flavor that makes everything taste like home.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – A dash of this spice adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Butter for greasing – Just a little to keep everything from sticking and to add extra flavor!
How to Prepare Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a breakfast masterpiece in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to getting that perfect golden-brown finish!
- While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish and grease it generously with butter. This keeps everything from sticking and adds a lovely flavor.
- Now, take your cubed brioche bread and layer it evenly in the greased dish. This will be the cozy base for all those amazing flavors!
- Next, spread those fresh, sliced strawberries over the bread. You want to distribute them evenly so every bite is bursting with fruity goodness.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Make sure it’s nice and smooth; the cream cheese can be a little tricky, but just keep whisking until it’s all combined!
- Pour this luscious mixture over the bread and strawberries, ensuring you soak every piece. Let it sit for about 15 minutes—this is crucial for the bread to soak up all that custard goodness.
- Once it’s soaked, pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and a slightly puffed-up appearance.
- Finally, serve warm, and get ready for some oohs and aahs when everyone digs in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—just layer, soak, and bake!
- The combination of fluffy brioche, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for any breakfast occasion, from lazy weekends to special celebrations.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for your secret!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delightful next-day treat.
Tips for Success
Here are my favorite tips to ensure your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast turns out just perfect! First, definitely use ripe strawberries; they add that sweet, juicy pop that makes this dish shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!
Also, don’t rush the soaking process—letting the bread sit for 15 minutes is key to achieving that dreamy custard texture. If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble everything the night before and pop it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking! Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, and you want that golden-brown top without overcooking. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your French toast to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
For a slice of this delightful Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, you can expect about 250 calories. It packs in 10 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat, and offers 6 grams of protein. You’ll also get 30 grams of carbohydrates, including 10 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. It’s a tasty way to start your day while still keeping things balanced. Just remember, indulgence is part of the joy, so enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this French toast ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking!
What type of bread works best? I love using brioche for its buttery richness, but you could also use challah, sourdough, or even a good-quality whole wheat bread if you prefer something a bit healthier.
Can I substitute the strawberries? Yes! Feel free to swap in other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix a few together for a colorful twist!
How do I know when it’s done baking? Look for a golden-brown top and a puffed appearance. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, indicating it’s set and ready to enjoy!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked taste again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast can be a delightful treat for the next day! To store, simply let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! You can pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until it’s warmed through. If you prefer a crispier texture, try reheating it in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help regain that lovely golden crust, making it just as delicious as when it was freshly baked. Trust me, a warm slice topped with a bit more fresh strawberries or a drizzle of maple syrup is pure bliss!
Print
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast: 7 Blissful Reasons
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious baked strawberries and cream French toast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Layer the cubed brioche bread in the dish.
- Spread the sliced strawberries over the bread.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and strawberries.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Can substitute with other berries.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast