If you are looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the soft, custardy texture of classic French toast baked to golden perfection with bursts of sweet strawberries and luscious cream cheese pockets throughout. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and cinnamon-spiced goodness that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests. This casserole is an effortless way to elevate your mornings and fill your kitchen with the tantalizing aroma of baked comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—eggs and milk build that rich custard, fresh strawberries bring vibrant flavor and color, and the cream cheese adds a dreamy creaminess that perfectly complements the cinnamon and maple essence.
- 5 large eggs: These create the custard base that soaks into the bread for a tender bite.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Adds creaminess and helps combine the flavors evenly.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces gentle warmth and spice.
- â…“ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar): Provides natural sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brightens the whole dish with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 16 oz stale bread (cubed): Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese (diced): Melts into creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the fruit and bread.
- 2 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh and juicy, these bring a refreshing and slightly tart flavor.
- â…“ cup white flour: Essential for the streusel topping that adds delightful crunch.
- â…“ cup white sugar: Sweetens the streusel for a crumbly finish.
- 3 tablespoons cold butter (cubed): Gives the streusel its rich, buttery texture when baked.
- Extra strawberries and maple syrup: For garnish and drizzling when serving to amplify flavor and presentation.
How to Make Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Start by combining the flour and sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with no dry flour patches. This streusel will bake into a crispy, sweet topping that contrasts delightfully with the soft casserole beneath. Once mixed, cover it and pop it in the fridge so it stays cold until baking time.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and vanilla extract. This mixture is what transforms the bread cubes into a custardy dream, infusing them with warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and layer half of the cubed bread across the bottom. Scatter the diced cream cheese evenly on top, followed by a third of the sliced strawberries. Pour a third of the egg mixture evenly over this layer. Repeat with the remaining bread and strawberries, then pour over the rest of the egg mixture making sure all bread cubes are soaked.
Step 4: Chill the Casserole
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, but ideally overnight. This chilling step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in an exceptionally tender and flavorful bake. It’s also a convenient way to prepare the dish ahead of time.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the custard is set and the streusel is golden and crisp. Let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes before serving to allow everything to settle into that perfect sliceable texture.
How to Serve Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with extra fresh strawberries and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for that final classic touch. If you want to add a hint of decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate it to festive brunch status.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides such as a crisp green salad or a citrus fruit salad to balance the sweetness. For a savory contrast, crispy bacon or sausage links provide an irresistible combination that guests will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins for a charming presentation at brunch gatherings. Alternatively, you can prepare mini casserole servings in muffin tins for portion control and easy, mess-free eating. Adding edible flowers or mint leaves as a garnish can make each plate look restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick breakfast fix.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in the microwave or oven until heated through and the cream cheese is soft again. Avoid overheating to keep the custard creamy and avoid drying out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
While fresh bread can work, stale or day-old bread is preferred because it soaks up the custard better without falling apart, ensuring a perfect texture.
Is there an alternative to cream cheese in this recipe?
You can use mascarpone or ricotta for a milder, less tangy creaminess. However, cream cheese offers that signature richness and slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be delightful.
How far in advance can I assemble the casserole?
Assembling and refrigerating overnight is ideal. The casserole can keep well up to 24 hours in the fridge before baking without losing quality or flavor.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches make wonderful additions or substitutes, adding their own burst of flavor and color to the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring joy and a little extra magic to your breakfast table, the Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe should be your go-to. It’s comforting, beautifully balanced, and surprisingly easy to pull together, making it perfect for weekends, holidays, or special occasions. I promise once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever had French toast without this luscious cream cheese and strawberry combo. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese is a delightful and comforting breakfast dish perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion. Layers of stale bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture are paired with creamy blocks of cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then topped with a sweet, buttery streusel. Chilled overnight and baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers a wonderful balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…“ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 oz stale bread, cubed (see notes)
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, diced
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
For the Streusel Topping
- â…“ cup white flour
- â…“ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
To Serve
- Extra strawberries
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Make streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Use clean fingertips to rub the cold cubed butter into the flour and sugar mixture until coarse crumbs form with no dry flour remaining. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make egg mixture: In a measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Layer casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Place half of the cubed stale bread evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with the diced cream cheese and a third of the sliced strawberries. Pour over a third of the egg mixture. Add the remaining bread cubes, the rest of the strawberries, and the remaining egg mixture, making sure all the bread is soaked well.
- Chill: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over it. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until the casserole is set in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm topped with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- Using stale bread is preferred as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly before cubing.
- You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer taste or use flavored cream cheese for a twist.
- To make the casserole ahead, assemble it and refrigerate overnight before baking. This makes a perfect prep-the-night-before breakfast.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
