Baked Strawberries Cream Toast

Baked Strawberries And Cream French Toast is a wonderful way to start your day with something sweet, creamy, and comforting. This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into a luscious baked dish that combines the fresh brightness of strawberries with a rich custard-soaked brioche bread. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself to a homemade delight that fills your kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas.

I first made this for a family brunch, and it quickly became a favorite. The kids love the combination of creamy custard pockets and juicy strawberries while the adults appreciate how effortless yet impressive it is.

Ingredients

• One loaf of brioche bread: which soaks up the custard beautifully and makes the toast tender and fluffy
• Two cups of fresh strawberries: sliced to add natural sweetness and vibrant color
• Four large eggs: as the base of the custard for richness and binding
• Two cups of whole milk: to create a creamy custard you can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract: to bring warm, sweet notes that elevate all the flavors
• One teaspoon of ground cinnamon: adds a subtle spice and warmth that perfectly complements the strawberries
• One quarter cup of granulated sugar: to sweeten the custard and balance the tartness of the berries
• Half a cup of cream cheese: cut into small cubes to create pockets of creamy texture throughout the dish
• Powdered sugar: for dusting as an optional finishing touch to add prettiness and a hint of sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Strawberries:

Begin by washing and slicing fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with a tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit while you make the custard to draw out their juices and deepen their sweetness.

Step 2 Whisk the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl crack the four eggs and whisk them thoroughly. Gradually pour in the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and remaining sugar, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined.

Step 3 Assemble the French Toast:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Slice the brioche bread into thick slices. Layer half of the bread slices overlapping slightly in the dish, then scatter half of the cream cheese cubes evenly, followed by half of the sliced strawberries. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.

Step 4 Add the Custard:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries. Use a spatula to gently press down on any dry spots to ensure the bread soaks all the custard. Allow the assembled dish to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the custard fully.

Step 5 Bake the French Toast:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden, puffy, and set.

Step 6 Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm. Add maple syrup or a side of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Bookmark

My favorite ingredient is the cream cheese cubes because they add little creamy bursts that contrast the sweet strawberries and fluffy bread. One memorable moment was making this for a holiday breakfast where everyone kept reaching for seconds and complimenting how the creamy pockets made the dish special.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly to preserve flavor and texture. When reheating use an oven or toaster oven for best texture rather than a microwave which can make it soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap brioche with challah or quality white sandwich bread if brioche isn’t available. Use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk for dairy-free versions. Replace strawberries with other fruits like blueberries raspberries or peaches depending on the season and your taste. Honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a natural sweetener alternative that adds extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with some savory richness. Fresh fruit salad pairs beautifully and adds a refreshing contrast. For beverages coffee orange juice or a light mimosa complements the flavors and makes for a festive brunch experience.

Cultural Context

French toast has been enjoyed around the world for centuries with different names and variations. Baking French toast is a more recent twist that makes it easier to prepare for groups while keeping the classic custard-soaked texture. Adding strawberries and cream adds a modern and decadent American brunch flair that’s perfect for celebrations.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the bread is a day or two old so it soaks the custard without falling apart
• Don’t skip the resting time after pouring custard to allow full absorption
• Watch baking time closely towards the end to avoid drying out the toast

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish the night before?

Yes, assembling it the night before helps the bread soak thoroughly. Just refrigerate it covered, then bake in the morning, allowing extra cooking time as needed.

→ What type of bread works best?

Brioche works beautifully for its softness and richness, but challah or thick white bread can also provide a tender, fluffy texture.

→ Can frozen strawberries be used in place of fresh?

Frozen strawberries are suitable if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the custard absorption.

→ How can I make it dairy-free?

Use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk, and substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative to maintain creaminess.

→ What spices complement this baked toast?

Cinnamon provides warmth and depth, while vanilla enhances sweetness. Nutmeg or pumpkin spice can offer interesting variations.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to maintain texture.