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Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

strawberry cream cheese french toast bake - featured image
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A comforting and indulgent baked French toast casserole featuring creamy cream cheese pockets and fresh strawberries, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed (day-old bread works best)
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small dollops
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or thawed and drained frozen strawberries)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish (unsalted preferred)
  • Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch cubes. If the bread isn’t day-old, lightly toast the cubes for 5-7 minutes to dry them out.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and frothy.
  3. Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture, gently pressing them down to soak. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently halfway through.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into the dish.
  5. Dot half of the softened cream cheese dollops over the bread layer, then sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries evenly on top.
  6. Repeat layering with the remaining bread mixture, cream cheese dollops, and strawberries.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove foil and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set but still creamy inside.
  9. Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best soaking results. Dollop cream cheese instead of mixing fully to create creamy pockets. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly. Let soak overnight for best flavor and texture. Use ripe but firm strawberries to avoid excess moisture. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, strawberry, cream cheese, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, brunch recipe, easy breakfast

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-strawberry-cream-cheese-french-toast-bake-easy-recipe-for-breakfast-bliss/