Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole – Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to wake up to the sweet aroma of baked strawberries, warm vanilla, and buttery bread? There’s something so comforting about a make-ahead breakfast that feels both indulgent and effortless. This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole is just that kind of dish — cozy, generous, and perfect for sharing around the table.

Rooted in the tradition of classic French toast but prepared in a simple casserole style, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a beautiful brunch centerpiece and one of those comforting Sweet Treats everyone looks forward to sharing. Thick cubes of bread soak overnight in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and vanilla, while juicy strawberries tuck themselves between the layers. As it bakes, the top turns golden and lightly crisp, while the inside remains tender and creamy — almost like a bread pudding kissed with fresh berries.

Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, a Mother’s Day brunch, or simply want to make a weekend morning feel special, this dish is a warm and welcoming choice. Prepare it the night before, and in the morning, all you need to do is bake and enjoy. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole:

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Maple syrup for serving 🍁

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Directions for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole:

1. Prepare the baking dish.
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the casserole releases easily after baking.
2. Layer the bread and strawberries.
   Spread half of the bread cubes evenly into the prepared dish. Scatter half of the sliced strawberries over the bread.
3. Make the cream layer.
   In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the bread and strawberries. Gently spread as best you can — it doesn’t need to be perfect.
4. Add remaining layers.
   Top with the remaining bread cubes and strawberries, distributing evenly.
5. Prepare the custard.
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
6. Soak the bread.
   Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers, pressing down gently with a spatula so all pieces absorb the liquid.
7. Cover and refrigerate.
   Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully soak up the custard.
8. Preheat and prepare to bake.
   The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Add topping.
   Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar for a lightly caramelized finish.
10. Bake.
    Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
11. Rest before serving.
    Allow the casserole to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up for neat servings.
12. Garnish and enjoy.
    Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup. Add extra fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation. 🍓

Nutritional Information for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole:

⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight chilling) | 🔥 Baking Time: 50 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling)
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 390 kcal | 🍽️ Servings: 8

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg

This casserole is wonderfully versatile. You can substitute raspberries or blueberries for a different berry twist, or use challah for an even richer texture. For a lighter option, swap half the cream for additional milk.

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to share a warm, homemade breakfast that was prepared with care. This baked strawberries and cream French toast casserole brings sweetness, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any morning. 💗

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!