If you’re looking for the ultimate showstopper breakfast that delivers both comfort and wow factor, look no further than this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. Imagine golden cubes of bakery bread baked to perfection with a custardy vanilla egg mixture, every bite punctuated with ripe, juicy strawberries and pockets of sweet cream cheese. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to brighten an ordinary morning, this casserole nails that sweet-cream nostalgia in the most irresistible, make-ahead-friendly way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about this casserole is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each item works its own special magic for the final flavor and texture. From classic French bread that soaks up every drop of creamy custard to fresh strawberries for a pop of color, here’s why you’ll love what goes into your Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole.
- French bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread cubes soak up the custard best, giving you that lovely, soft-in-the-middle but crisp-on-top bake.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries bring a burst of vibrant flavor and color that shouts “spring” in every bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese transforms into creamy, melty pockets for rich, decadent bites throughout the casserole.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a balanced sweetness to the cream cheese blend, ensuring you get a delightful hint of dessert.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warm, inviting flavor, making the whole kitchen smell heavenly.
- Large eggs: These are the backbone of your custard, binding everything together with that classic French toast flavor.
- Milk: Provides richness and helps the custard soak evenly throughout the bread cubes.
- Heavy cream: For extra indulgence, a bit of heavy cream makes every bite especially luscious and silky.
- Maple syrup: Subtle maple notes bring wholesome sweetness and depth to the casserole.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a dash infuses the bake with cozy, aromatic spice.
- Powdered sugar and extra strawberries: The classic finishing touch, adding both a pretty sparkle and extra berry flair for serving.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures that none of your precious custard-soaked bread sticks and that each slice lifts out easily, looking bakery beautiful when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Cream Cheese
Scatter half of your bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this dreamy mixture over the bread—these will bake into delicious creamy pockets that make the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole truly irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries
Now, layer your sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese dollops. The berries not only provide cheerful pops of color but also cook down into little pools of jammy sweetness throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Finish Layering the Bread
Cover everything with the second half of your bread cubes. This top layer will soak up the custard and bake up gloriously golden, creating a gorgeous crust and lovely soft interior texture.
Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Pour this custardy mixture evenly over the whole casserole, making sure to moisten all the bread. Use the back of a spatula to gently press the bread down, so it soaks up as much liquid as possible.
Step 6: Chill Before Baking
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This chilling period allows the flavors to mingle and the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in the dreamiest texture when baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the cover and bake the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is just set. Let it cool for 10 minutes—this makes slicing and serving neater, plus the anticipation is so worth it!
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Dust generously with powdered sugar, then shower with extra fresh strawberries right before serving. The look is stunning and the taste is pure brunch magic.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this casserole quite like a snowfall of powdered sugar and handfuls of extra sliced strawberries. For special occasions, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or even a touch of lemon zest for a fresh, fragrant lift.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a satisfying sweet-savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad, a platter of grapes, or creamy Greek yogurt on the side also balance out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in generous squares layered on a pretty platter, or dish it up in ramekins for individual servings at a fancy brunch. For parties, you can even bake the mixture in muffin tins for adorable, grab-and-go portions—try topping each one with a single strawberry slice for a bakery touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days. The casserole remains soft and flavorful, and you can enjoy slices chilled or reheated for stress-free breakfasts all week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole after baking. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your casserole warm, simply reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add fresh powdered sugar and strawberries after reheating to keep everything tasting vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen sliced strawberries work well—just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in your casserole.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Classic French bread or even a rustic Italian loaf works perfectly, but you can also use richer breads like brioche or challah for an even softer, sweeter base.
Can I assemble Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole the night before?
Yes! This casserole is designed to be prepped ahead, so you can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning—perfect for easy entertaining or holiday brunches.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative; the results will still be creamy and satisfying, though the flavor may vary slightly depending on the products you use.
How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
You’ll know your Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is done when the top is deeply golden and the center feels set when gently pressed. If you’re unsure, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean or just with a little custard on it, but not wet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that turns any morning into a celebration, give this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole a try. With its easy prep, gorgeous presentation, and crave-worthy flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite for special occasions and everyday indulgence alike. Go ahead and treat yourself or your loved ones to a slice of pure breakfast bliss!
Print
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. Creamy, sweet, and bursting with juicy strawberries, this make-ahead casserole is perfect for a special morning or brunch.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar and extra strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread, then layer on the sliced strawberries.
- Layer and Soak: Cover with the remaining bread cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press down to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Chill and Bake: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes before topping with powdered sugar and extra strawberries.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- For a sweeter twist, use brioche or challah bread instead of French bread.
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