Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with our Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. This delectable casserole blends tender chunks of challah or brioche bread with a luscious cream cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, creating a custardy, sweet delight. Ideal for brunches, special occasions, or cozy family breakfasts, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavor and comforting texture. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s topped with a cinnamon streusel for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
1 loaf challah or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
For the Topping:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish and top with half of the sliced strawberries.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the strawberries and bread.
- Add the remaining bread cubes and strawberries on top.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and maple syrup. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and strawberries. Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use slightly stale bread or toast the bread cubes to prevent sogginess.
Fresh strawberries are preferred, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
To make this casserole ahead of time, prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
