If you have a soft spot for fruity, creamy breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, then this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to become your new weekend obsession. Picture layers of buttery challah bread soaked in a luscious custard with fresh, juicy strawberries and dollops of smooth cream cheese, all baked to golden perfection with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. This dish somehow manages to be both indulgent and fresh, making it an ideal centerpiece for brunch with family or friends. It’s effortlessly elegant but delightfully comforting, the kind of recipe you’ll be reaching for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how it uses simple, straightforward ingredients that you may already have on hand. Each one plays a key role — the rich challah gives a tender crumb, fresh strawberries add brightness and color, and the creamy custard binds everything into a dreamy casserole.
- Challah or brioche (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): A soft, slightly sweet bread that soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, hulled and sliced): Juicy and vibrant, they bring freshness and a pop of natural sweetness to every bite.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a rich, tangy creaminess that balances the sweet custard and fruit.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly without being overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Large eggs (6): Essential for the custard, they provide structure and a silky texture.
- Milk (2 cups): Combines with cream and eggs to create the rich custard base.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds indulgent richness to the custard for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Offers natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Used in the crumb topping to give it structure and the perfect crispness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a caramel note to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a hint of spice to balance the strawberries.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, cold and cut into small pieces): Creates the crumbly, golden topping when cut into the flour mixture.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Layer half of your challah cubes evenly across the bottom, then scatter half of your sliced strawberries over the bread. This base sets the stage for all the delicious layers to come.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Dollops
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Don’t worry about creating a perfect layer here; the beautiful little dollops of cream cheese will melt into the casserole, adding surprise pockets of creamy richness.
Step 3: Add Remaining Bread and Strawberries
Now, layer the rest of your challah cubes over the cream cheese and berries, followed by the remaining strawberries. This layering ensures that every slice gets a harmonious mix of fruit, bread, and creamy goodness.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard and Pour
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until fully combined. Pour this luscious custard evenly over the layered bread and strawberries in your baking dish. Press down gently on the bread to help it soak up every drop of the custard.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
Mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, small pieces of butter until the mixture looks like coarse, buttery crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread. This will bake up crisp and golden, giving your casserole a delightful texture contrast.
Step 6: Refrigerate to Let Flavors Meld
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours, or even better, overnight. This resting period allows the bread to soak up the custard fully and the strawberries to infuse their sweet juice into every bite of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit briefly at room temperature while the oven heats up. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still moist and custardy.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to make this casserole extra special is with fresh garnishes. A handful of additional sliced strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar elevate both the look and taste wonderfully. If you want an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with a little maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a bright green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing brunch, serve this casserole directly from the baking dish alongside small plates garnished with mint leaves. Alternatively, build individual portions in ramekins by layering some of the leftovers with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. It transforms this classic breakfast into a dessert-worthy treat anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy, ready-to-go breakfasts or snacks the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking to save time. Wrap it well in plastic and foil and freeze for up to one month. When you want to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.
Reheating
Warm individual servings gently in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 325°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a few extra minutes if reheating from frozen to ensure it is heated through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than challah or brioche?
Yes! While challah and brioche are ideal for their sweetness and softness, you can substitute other white bread varieties. Just avoid very dense or whole grain breads, as they don’t soak up custard as well.
What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the casserole soggy.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to develop fully and makes busy mornings a breeze. Just remember to remove it from the fridge before baking so it can come to room temperature.
Is there a way to make the topping gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and overall the flavor and texture will remain delightful.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this casserole, replace the eggs with an egg substitute like flax eggs, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, vegan cream cheese, and hold the butter or use a vegan butter substitute for the topping. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty!
Final Thoughts
There is something so welcoming about the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe that it quickly feels like a family tradition in the making. Between the fruity brightness, creamy richness, and crumbly topping, this recipe offers the perfect mix of textures and flavors to brighten any morning. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy yet impressive this dish feels every time it comes out of the oven. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Print
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 2 hours refrigeration
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a decadent and comforting breakfast dish featuring layers of challah or brioche bread, fresh strawberries, and creamy cream cheese custard. Topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, it’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or special occasion, offering a delightful combination of sweet and creamy flavors with a golden, crispy topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Topping Ingredients
- 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 cubed challah or brioche in the bottom of the dish and evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries over the bread layer.
- Create Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the strawberries and bread layer in dollops to ensure even coverage.
- Assemble Remaining Layers: Add the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese layer followed by the rest of the sliced strawberries, creating a layered effect.
- Prepare Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup until well combined. Pour the custard evenly over all the bread and strawberry layers, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Preheat Oven and Rest: Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature while the oven heats up to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the center is fully set. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old challah or brioche to better absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
- The casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Feel free to substitute strawberries with other fresh berries or fruit depending on the season.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth consistency.
- If preferred, add a splash of orange liqueur or zest to the custard for an extra flavor dimension.
