Name: Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole – Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (14–16 oz) day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 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; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream layer); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream layer); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping); Powdered sugar for dusting; Maple syrup for serving

Description

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole is a cozy make-ahead breakfast layered with fresh strawberries, creamy custard-soaked bread, and a rich cream cheese filling. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf (14–16 oz) day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 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
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cream layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream layer)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Maple syrup for serving

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Layer half of the bread cubes into the dish and top with half of the sliced strawberries.
Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth, then drop spoonfuls over the layers.
Add remaining bread cubes and strawberries evenly on top.
Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
Pour custard evenly over bread and press gently to help absorption.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Remove from refrigerator and let sit 20–30 minutes while oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).
Drizzle melted butter over top and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and center is set.
Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Notes

Day-old bread works best for absorbing custard.
Chill overnight for best texture and flavor.
Substitute raspberries or blueberries for variation.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual servings in microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast / Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 155mg