If you love waking up to a warm, comforting breakfast that feels a little luxurious yet perfectly simple, this Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe was made for you. Imagine layers of tender brioche cubes soaked in a rich custard, generously filled with creamy, tangy cream cheese and juicy fresh strawberries, all baked to a golden perfection. It’s the ultimate brunch showstopper that comes together effortlessly and delivers that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity in every bite. Trust me, once you try this strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake recipe, it will become your go-to for weekend mornings and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake recipe is straightforward, and each one plays a vital role in making this dish shine. From the soft, buttery brioche bread to the luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberries, every component harmonizes to create a mouthwatering flavor and a dreamy texture that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve.
- Brioche or challah bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): This rich, buttery bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Fresh strawberries (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Juicy and vibrant, they add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Creamy and tangy, it provides a luscious filling that melts in your mouth.
- Large eggs (6): Eggs bind the custard, creating that classic French toast bake texture.
- Whole milk (1 3/4 cups): Adds creaminess and richness to the custard base.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the custard extra decadent and silky.
- Maple syrup or honey (1/3 cup): Natural sweeteners that bring warmth and depth to the custard.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and elevates the sweetness of the dish.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on top before baking for a lightly crisp, caramelized finish.
- Powdered sugar and extra strawberries (for serving): Adds a final touch of elegance and freshness to your presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Layer the Filling
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—that nonstick touch will make for easy serving later. Spread half of the brioche cubes evenly on the bottom of the dish to form that soft, custardy base. Next, generously dot the cream cheese cubes over the bread, placing the sliced strawberries on top for bursts of juicy sweetness. Finally, cover with the remaining bread cubes and get ready for the star of this strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake recipe: the custard.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together until completely combined. This custard mixture is what will seep into every nook of your bread cubes, infusing them with rich flavor and giving the bake that irresistible custardy texture.
Step 3: Pour and Press
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread in your prepared dish. To ensure the bread soaks up the custard perfectly, gently press down on the bread cubes with the back of a spatula or your hands. Cover the entire dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the bread to become luxuriously soft.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover your soaking masterpiece and, if you like a crunchy sugary finish, sprinkle the top with granulated sugar. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set but still tender. Let the bake cool for a few minutes, allowing it to firm up just enough for easy slicing.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with extra fresh strawberries for an eye-catching presentation. This step transforms your bake from simple comfort food to an elegant brunch treat everyone will rave about.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar are the classic finishing touches, adding brightness and a lovely visual appeal. For extra flair, a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a spoonful of homemade strawberry jam makes each bite burst with sweetness, complementing the creamy richness of the custard and cheese.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake recipe pairs wonderfully with breakfast staples such as crispy bacon, sausage links, or fresh fruit salad for a balanced spread. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to contrast the sweetness with a bit of tang and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in cute ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an elegant brunch party presentation. You could also offer toppings like toasted nuts, coconut flakes, or a dollop of whipped cream to let guests customize their slices. The versatility of this dish makes it a real crowd-pleaser with endless possibilities.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep the bake moist but not soggy. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully for quick weekday breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
This bake freezes wonderfully, too! Slice it into portions, wrap each piece securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the fresh texture and taste.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but you might lose a bit of the delightful texture. Either way, it’s a tasty treat any time of day.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this bake?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah works best because of their richness and texture, you can substitute with any thick, sturdy bread like French bread or sourdough. Just avoid very dense or thin-sliced breads, which might not absorb the custard as well.
Is it okay to use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before layering. This prevents the bake from becoming too watery and keeps those bright strawberry flavors intact.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake recipe, try using plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, vegan cream cheese, and an egg substitute such as flax eggs. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How far in advance can I assemble the bake?
One of the best parts of this recipe is its make-ahead ease. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. This long soak enhances the flavors and makes your morning stress-free.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer, mascarpone or ricotta cheese make lovely alternatives that provide creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile. For a lighter version, you might also try a smooth yogurt-based filling, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe is the perfect blend of effortless preparation and extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, it promises to delight every palate with its creamy layers and fresh fruitiness. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
