Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a decadent, make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that combines soft, custardy bread with juicy strawberries and a rich cream cheese layer. Baked until golden and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole is both comforting and elegant—perfect for special mornings or entertaining guests.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

French bread or brioche (cut into cubes)
fresh strawberries (sliced)
cream cheese (softened)
granulated sugar
eggs
milk
heavy cream
vanilla extract
cinnamon (optional)
powdered sugar (for topping, optional)
maple syrup or whipped cream (for serving, optional)

directions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the bread cubes in the bottom.

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the bread layer.

Top with half of the sliced strawberries, then add the remaining bread cubes and remaining strawberries.

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if using.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and berries, pressing gently to soak.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Uncover and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8-10.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours to overnight
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 3 hours or overnight + baking

Variations

Use blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries.
Add lemon zest to the cream cheese for brightness.
Use flavored cream cheese like strawberry or honey vanilla.
Top with sliced almonds for crunch.
Make it dairy-free with almond milk and vegan cream cheese.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream cheese layer.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before layering.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Chilling helps the bread absorb the custard fully, but 2 hours is the minimum.

Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes, it will still be delicious—just omit or replace with a sweet ricotta or yogurt blend.

What kind of bread works best?
Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah hold up best to the custard.

Is it very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet—adjust sugar to taste or balance with tangy toppings like fresh fruit.

Can I prepare and freeze it before baking?
It’s not recommended due to the texture changes from cream cheese after thawing.

Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, bake uncovered for a golden top, but tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time slightly.

What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve with fresh fruit, bacon, or scrambled eggs for a full brunch.

Can I add syrup before baking?
It’s best to add syrup after baking to keep the texture from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines sweet, fruity, and creamy elements in every bite. Easy to prep ahead and bursting with fresh flavor, it’s the perfect solution for a relaxed morning that feels special without the stress. Serve it once, and it’ll become a staple for brunches and holiday mornings alike.

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