Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a decadent breakfast casserole layered with soft bread, juicy strawberries, and sweet cream cheese, all soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special mornings, this dish is make-ahead friendly and bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

French bread or brioche (cut into cubes)
cream cheese (softened)
fresh strawberries (sliced)
eggs
milk or half-and-half
vanilla extract
maple syrup or sugar
cinnamon (optional)
powdered sugar (for serving)
butter or nonstick spray (for greasing)

directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Spread half of the cubed bread in the bottom of the dish.

Dollop softened cream cheese and layer sliced strawberries over the bread.

Top with the remaining bread cubes, evenly distributing across the dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or sugar. Add cinnamon if using.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries, pressing down slightly to absorb.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.

Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours to overnight
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 5-6 hours (including chill time)

Variations

Use blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries instead of strawberries.
Add a streusel topping of butter, brown sugar, and oats for extra crunch.
Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta.
Use dairy-free milk and cream cheese for a vegan option with egg replacers.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices.
Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this the night before?
Yes, it’s best when chilled overnight to soak up the custard.

What kind of bread works best?
Sturdy bread like French bread or brioche holds up well.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.

Is it very sweet?
It has a gentle sweetness; adjust maple syrup or sugar to taste.

Can I use non-dairy ingredients?
Yes, choose plant-based milk and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.

Do I need to use maple syrup?
No, granulated or brown sugar works just as well.

Can I bake it right away without chilling?
Yes, but chilling improves the texture and flavor.

How do I know it’s done?
It should be golden on top and no longer jiggly in the center.

Can I add flavorings?
Yes, lemon zest, almond extract, or nutmeg add great depth.

Is it good for brunch parties?
Absolutely—it’s beautiful, easy to slice, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a dreamy, fruit-filled breakfast casserole that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re celebrating a special morning or just treating yourself, this make-ahead dish brings together all the best parts of French toast in one effortless, oven-baked pan of deliciousness.

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