If you are looking for a breakfast dish that brings together creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors in one irresistible bite, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of fluffy brioche bread with luscious cream cheese and juicy strawberries nestled inside, all soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection. It combines the comfort of classic French toast with the ease of a bake, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion breakfast that feels effortlessly impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of this bake. Each component plays a key role, from the bread’s soft texture to the cream cheese’s smooth richness and the strawberries’ fresh burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic comfort dish to life:
- Brioche or challah bread: Choose a loaf sliced into 1-inch pieces for sturdy yet fluffy layers that soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This adds a creamy tanginess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (0.25 cup for cream cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for custard): Sweetens the cream cheese filling and the custard mixture for just the right amount of indulgence.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Provides a warm floral note that elevates the flavors and ties everything together.
- Fresh strawberries (1.5 cups, diced): The star fruit, offering juicy, fresh brightness that bursts in every bite.
- Large eggs (6): Essential for the custard that soaks and binds the bread, creating that perfect creamy texture.
- Whole milk (1.5 cups) and heavy cream (0.5 cup): These create a rich custard base, making the bake luxuriously smooth and soft.
- Ground cinnamon (0.5 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a lovely aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (optional): For dusting and drizzling at serving time to add an elegant finishing touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your French toast bake will cook evenly with a perfect golden crust, and the dish will be easy to clean after your delicious meal.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with 0.25 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy, sweet filling is going to glue your sandwich layers together while adding that irresistible tartness.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Sandwiches
Spread about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread, then sprinkle diced fresh strawberries inside before closing the sandwich. Arrange all these lovely stuffed sandwiches side by side in the prepared baking dish, setting the foundation for the custard soak.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until well combined. This custard is the magic liquid that will transform your bread into a soft, eggy delight with warm, cozy flavors.
Step 5: Soak and Bake
Pour the custard evenly over the stuffed bread sandwiches in the baking dish, pressing down gently so each piece soaks up that liquid goodness. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is fully set.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Allow the bake to cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting time helps the flavors mellow and makes slicing easier. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup on top if you like an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can really elevate this dish. Fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup add sweetness and a pretty presentation that everyone will love. You can also add a light dusting of cinnamon for that cozy aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage links to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side will keep things light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your bake in a large casserole dish right at the table for a casual family-style breakfast. Or slice it into perfect squares and stack on plates for a beautiful brunch spread, garnished with edible flowers or mint for an extra special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated slices just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making this an excellent dish to prepare ahead and enjoy whenever you want a comforting treat.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through. For a crispier top, finish reheating with a quick sear in a hot skillet or under the broiler briefly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah work best due to their richness and texture, you can substitute with thick-cut white bread or even a sturdy sourdough for a slightly tangier flavor. Just make sure the slices are about 1-inch thick to hold the filling well.
Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries, or can I use frozen?
Fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, but if frozen strawberries are all you have, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the bake soggy.
Can I prepare this bake the night before?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed sandwiches and pour the custard over them, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning—this helps the flavors meld beautifully and saves you time on busy mornings.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely. It contains no meat and uses dairy and eggs, making it perfect for a vegetarian diet. If you prefer vegan, you would need to substitute the dairy and eggs accordingly, but that would change the texture a bit.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it an excellent choice for a family breakfast or a small brunch gathering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the blend of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and custardy bread that makes this Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe so comforting and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this bake offers a warm hug of flavors in every bite. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a favorite breakfast that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast casserole combining rich cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a custardy batter baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy make-ahead dish perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch slices
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, diced
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture between two slices of bread to make sandwiches. Sprinkle diced strawberries inside each sandwich for a sweet and fruity filling. Arrange these stuffed sandwiches evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
- Soak and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the stuffed bread in the baking dish. Gently press down to help the liquid soak into the bread layers. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the French toast bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps absorb the custard better, resulting in a moister bake.
- This dish can be assembled the night before, refrigerated overnight, and baked fresh in the morning for convenience.
