Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake is a rich, indulgent breakfast casserole that tastes like a decadent dessert but is perfect for mornings, holidays, or brunch gatherings. With layers of fluffy bread, sweet strawberries, and creamy cheesecake-like filling, baked in a custard base and finished with a golden crust, this dish delivers the ultimate balance of sweet, tangy, and comforting flavors.
Unlike traditional French toast, this recipe can be made ahead, assembled the night before, and baked fresh in the morning. It’s perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas morning, or any occasion where you want something impressive without spending all morning at the stove.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup or strawberry sauce
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Spread half the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
Step 2: Make Cream Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the mixture over the bread layer.
Step 3: Add Strawberries
- Scatter sliced strawberries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Add Remaining Bread
- Top with the rest of the bread cubes, pressing down lightly.
Step 5: Make Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour evenly over the casserole. Press gently to help bread soak up custard.
Step 6: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden and set.
Step 8: Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or strawberry sauce.
Variations
- Berry Mix: Replace or combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle chocolate chips between bread layers for extra indulgence.
- Lighter Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and 2% milk.
Cooking Notes
- Day-old brioche or challah works best,it soaks up custard without getting mushy.
- Cover casserole with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh fruit salad for balance.
- Pair with coffee, mimosas, or hot tea for brunch.
- Add whipped cream or strawberry syrup for dessert-like indulgence.
Tips
- Prep the night before for an easy holiday morning.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in filling.
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze fully baked casserole for up to 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 6+ hours (overnight recommended)
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 7+ hours (including chill)
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 435
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 410mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast bake ahead of time?
- Yes, prepare and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and butter.
Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes, bake first, cool completely, and freeze in portions.
Q5: What bread works best?
- Brioche and challah are best, but French bread also works well.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake is an irresistible breakfast or brunch dish that combines the best of French toast, cheesecake, and strawberries into one stunning recipe. With its custard-soaked bread, creamy filling, and sweet berry topping, it’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your family to something unforgettable.