If you adore warm, comforting breakfasts that feel like a special occasion yet come together with ease, you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine layers of soft, buttery challah bread mingling with luscious cream cheese dollops and juicy, fresh strawberries, all soaked in a rich, vanilla-kissed custard. Topped with a cinnamon-spiced crumbly streusel that bakes to golden perfection, this dish transforms traditional French toast into a show-stopping, shareable brunch masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor and just the right hint of sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, coming together to create that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and spicy flavors along with delightful textures and gorgeous colors. The simplicity of these pantry staples is what makes this dish approachable yet so irresistibly good.
- 1 loaf challah or brioche: Rich, eggy bread that soaks up custard beautifully and bakes to a tender yet sturdy consistency.
- 1 pound fresh strawberries: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color for a fresh burst in every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides creamy tang and luscious richness, making the casserole extra decadent.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough without overpowering the natural strawberry flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that complements both the custard and strawberries.
- 6 large eggs: Forms the base of the rich custard that soaks the bread and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups milk: Softens the bread and balances the richness of the cream and eggs.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds silky creaminess to the custard for a luxurious finish.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness with a hint of warm, caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Key to the crumbly topping that gives the casserole a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Deep, molasses notes that caramelize beautifully when baked on top.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice to enhance the flavor complexity without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the other flavors perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces: Creates a tender, buttery topping that bakes to golden, crisp perfection.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Bread and Strawberries
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then layer half of the cubed challah or brioche evenly on the bottom. Top this first layer with half of the sliced strawberries to introduce that wonderful juicy sweetness right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese Dollops
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy. Drop spoonfuls over the strawberries and bread so that pockets of creamy tanginess peek through, creating a gorgeous contrast with the fruit.
Step 3: Repeat the Layers
Top the cream cheese dollops with the remaining bread cubes, followed by the rest of the sliced strawberries. This second layer locks everything in, setting the stage for the custard soak and ensuring strawberries are spread throughout the casserole for consistent flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until perfectly combined. Pour this luscious mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries layers. Gently press down to help the bread soak up the custard, ensuring each bite will be richly flavored and tender in the center.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
Mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this heavenly crumb topping evenly over the custard-soaked casserole — this will bake up into a crisp, buttery contrast that’s irresistibly satisfying.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Let Flavors Meld
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This resting period lets the bread soak fully and the flavors deepen, making the final dish even more luscious.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit while the oven warms, then bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still tender.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. This resting time helps the custard finish setting and makes serving a breeze, so you get perfect slices filled with strawberries, creaminess, and that wonderful crumb topping.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation and an extra pop of flavor, a dusting of powdered sugar looks like fresh morning snow over this casserole. Fresh strawberry slices or delicate mint leaves add lovely color and a refreshing counterpoint to the rich custard and buttery topping.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a star all on its own, but serving it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage gives a savory balance that’s truly satisfying. Freshly brewed coffee or a bright, citrusy mimosa complements the sweetness beautifully for an indulgent brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the casserole family-style right from the baking dish for a cozy, communal vibe. Or, for a festive twist, portion it into individual ramekins before baking. Drizzle with warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to make each serving feel like a decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture and avoid dryness.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil if freezing raw, or store cooked portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in a preheated 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crisp topping intact; otherwise, cover loosely to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries can be excellent alternatives or additions, giving the casserole a delightful twist and changing the flavor profile while maintaining that juicy freshness.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole before baking?
Refrigeration helps the bread soak up the custard completely, enhancing the texture and flavor. While you can bake it immediately, the resting time makes the final dish more tender and delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread in place of challah or brioche is a simple substitution. Just ensure your other ingredients like flour for the topping are also gluten-free or replaced accordingly.
What’s the best bread to use for this casserole?
Challah and brioche are ideal because their slightly sweet, rich texture absorbs custard well without falling apart. Avoid very dense or crusty breads to keep the casserole soft and luscious.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top with a set center that doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. Inserting a toothpick should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs for that perfect custard consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe is more than just a breakfast—it’s a warm hug of flavor and texture that’s perfect for special gatherings or turning an ordinary morning into something magical. I can’t recommend making it enough; once you try it, you’ll want to share this cozy delight again and again with friends and family.
Print
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful, make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish featuring soft chunks of challah or brioche bread layered with fresh strawberries and creamy sweetened cream cheese. Topped with a buttery cinnamon brown sugar crumble, it’s soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Layer half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, then scatter half of the sliced strawberries on top.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the strawberries and bread in the dish.
- Add Remaining Bread and Strawberries: Layer the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese dollops, followed by the remaining strawberries, creating a stacked layered effect.
- Prepare Custard and Pour: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until fully combined. Pour this custard evenly over the layered bread and strawberries, pressing down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
- Chill: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The crumble topping should be lightly crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use day-old challah or brioche bread.
- Can be prepared the night before for an easy breakfast or brunch.
- Substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
- Use a tart but sweet strawberry variety for balanced flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a microwave or oven.
