If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug, the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of fluffy challah or brioche soaked in a luscious custard, dotted with sweet, fresh strawberries and pockets of creamy mascarpone-like richness, all topped with a crumbly cinnamon-brown sugar topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. This dish isn’t just breakfast—it’s a celebration of sweet comfort, bright berry freshness, and the kind of creamy decadence that keeps everyone going back for seconds. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in turning simple pantry and fresh produce staples into a sensational dish. From the soft, buttery challah to the fresh burst of strawberries, each element brings texture or flavor that makes this casserole come alive.
- Challah or brioche bread: Their light, slightly sweet crumb soaks up the custard without falling apart, creating the perfect base.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced fresh strawberries add a juicy brightness that balances the creamy richness.
- Cream cheese: Softened and whipped into dollops throughout the casserole, it melts into pockets of velvety creaminess.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just right to elevate the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant warmth that binds the flavors beautifully.
- Eggs: The essential protein that creates the rich custard soaking the bread.
- Milk and heavy cream: Together they make the custard luxuriously smooth and silky.
- Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely depth to the custard mixture.
- All-purpose flour: Used in the crumb topping to add structure and crispness.
- Brown sugar: Its molasses notes complement the cinnamon and bring warmth to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that ties the whole dish together.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces and mixed into the topping for a crisp, buttery finish.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layers
Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks, allowing for easy serving. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom, then scatter half of the sliced strawberries on top. This layering sets the stage for the perfect balance between bread and fruit in every bite.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese Dollops
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of this creamy mixture evenly over the strawberries and bread. These pockets of cream cheese will melt into dreamy creamy spots as the casserole bakes, making each forkful a burst of indulgence.
Step 3: Layer the Remaining Bread and Strawberries
Add the second half of your bread cubes and the remaining sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. This layering ensures you get a delightful mix of textures between soft bread, tart berries, and creamy cheese throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Prepare and Pour the Custard
Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup together until fully combined into a smooth custard. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries, pressing down gently so the bread absorbs all that luscious custard. This soaking step is crucial for that custardy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter pieces with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly topping generously over the casserole to create a crispy, golden contrast to the soft custard inside.
Step 6: Chill the Casserole
Cover your assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step allows the custard to soak into the bread and the flavors to mingle, setting you up for the best possible texture and taste.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for around 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still moist and tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the casserole firms up just enough for clean slices.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your serving with extra fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance its bright, sweet appeal. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a luscious finishing touch that makes each bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage links for some savory counterbalance. Fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie can also complement it nicely, keeping brunch colorful and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins and top each portion with a mint sprig. Alternatively, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by additional strawberry slices and a small pot of warm maple syrup for a stunning brunch spread that invites your guests to dig in happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it covered in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It reheats wonderfully, so no need to worry about waste!
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the casserole by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen casserole keeps well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds or until warm, or pop the casserole pieces into a 350°F oven for 15 minutes for a crispier top. Adding a tiny splash of milk before reheating can help revive the creamy custard texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While challah or brioche are excellent for their soft texture and subtle sweetness, you can use other slightly dense breads like French bread or even croissants. Just avoid very dense or whole-grain breads, as they can result in a less tender casserole.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
It’s possible with some substitutions like using dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk and heavy cream alternatives, and an egg substitute such as flax eggs. Keep in mind, the texture and richness will be slightly different but still tasty.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the casserole overnight?
While you can soak it for just a couple of hours, overnight soaking helps the bread absorb the custard fully and deepens the flavors, resulting in a custardier and more cohesive casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole for a large crowd?
Yes! The recipe scales nicely. Just use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes and adjust the baking time as needed. Making it ahead of time is perfect for entertaining because it bakes fresh while guests arrive.
What’s the best way to cleanly cut and serve the casserole?
Let the casserole cool slightly after baking to firm up. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, wiping the blade between slices if needed. Serving with a wide spatula helps keep slices intact as you plate them.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe is like giving yourself a delicious, joyful gift that fills your home with amazing aromas and your belly with cozy happiness. Whether for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend breakfast, it’s a dish that brings people together and invites smiles at the table. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your all-time favorite go-to recipes for effortless indulgence.
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 refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish featuring layers of challah or brioche bread, fresh strawberries, and a creamy custard mixture. Topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb, it bakes into a golden, decadent treat that’s perfect for gatherings or leisurely weekend mornings.
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 to prevent sticking. Layer half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish, then evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries over the bread.
- Make the cream cheese dollops: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture evenly over the strawberries and bread layer to add rich creaminess.
- Add remaining bread and strawberries: Layer the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese dollops and spread the rest of the sliced strawberries on top, building the casserole layers.
- Prepare and pour custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries. Press down lightly to ensure the bread soaks up the custard for a soft texture.
- Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly across the casserole’s surface.
- Refrigerate to soak: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the custard to fully absorb into the bread.
- Preheat the oven and rest: Before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature while the oven heats, ensuring even baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set. After baking, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it firm up slightly.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the casserole overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use challah or brioche bread for a soft, rich base, but any sturdy, slightly sweet bread can work.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to easily beat into a smooth mixture.
- Pressing the bread down into the custard helps it absorb liquid and prevents dryness.
- Serve warm with additional maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining.
