French Toast Bake

Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked French toast, infused with the sweet essence of ripe strawberries and a creamy custard that melts in your mouth. This is precisely what the Heavenly Strawberry Cream French Toast Bake offers—a delightful breakfast experience that elevates the traditional French toast to new heights. Ideal for family gatherings, brunch parties, or special occasions, this dish promises to impress both the eyes and the palate, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table.

Start your day with a slice of Heaven! The Heavenly Strawberry Cream French Toast Bake is a deliciously easy breakfast recipe that combines the rich flavors of brioche or challah bread, custardy eggs, creamy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions, this baked dish transforms traditional French toast into a beautiful centerpiece. With simple ingredients and customizable options, it's sure to become a family favorite. Indulge in this sweet morning treat that’s both visually stunning and utterly delightful!

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Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10-12 cups)

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

Maple syrup, for serving

Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole with butter or cooking spray.

Prepare the Bread: Place the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Tuck the sliced strawberries among the bread cubes, ensuring they’re spread out for even flavor.

Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

Combine Cream Cheese: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the optional powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the bread and strawberries, using a knife or spatula to gently swirl it into the custard mixture for a marbled effect.

Pour Custard Over Bread: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the bread and strawberries, ensuring all the bread is saturated. Gently press down the bread with your hands if needed.

Soak: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard. For best results, let it soak overnight in the fridge.

Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy custard, fresh strawberries, and sweet bread!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | Serves 8-10