Easy Made Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a decadent yet easy breakfast or brunch dish that combines soft, custardy bread with sweet, juicy strawberries and a creamy, vanilla-infused sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and visually appealing meal that is perfect for weekends, holidays, or special occasions.

This recipe transforms traditional French toast into a baked casserole, making it ideal for serving a crowd with minimal effort. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between creamy custard and sweet strawberries.

The Backstory

French toast casseroles have been a popular brunch choice for decades, offering the same indulgent flavors as skillet French toast but in a convenient baked form. Adding fresh strawberries and cream elevates the dish, adding brightness, sweetness, and a touch of elegance to a classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare in advance and bake when ready
• Soft, custardy bread with sweet strawberry topping
• Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert
• Crowd-pleasing and visually impressive

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 400 per serving

Ingredients

• 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the bread cubes in the prepared dish and sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly over the top.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries.
4. Press down lightly to ensure all bread is coated and let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the custard.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with powdered sugar or whipped cream.

Tips to Make It Your Own

• Use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain excess liquid first.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Prepare the night before, cover, and refrigerate for a make-ahead option.
• Serve with maple syrup for added sweetness.

🍓 Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar optional topping
• 2 tbsp butter for greasing the baking dish
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar whipped cream, maple syrup

Method

 

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

Prepare the Bread & Strawberries:

1. Place bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Scatter sliced strawberries over the bread.

Make the Custard:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine & Soak:

1. Pour custard mixture over the bread and strawberries, pressing down lightly to ensure bread soaks up the liquid. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.

Add Topping (Optional):

1. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top for a caramelized finish.

Bake:

1. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and custard is set.

Serve:

1. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup.

Notes

Overnight Option: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake the next morning.

Extra Flavor: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the custard for a bright note.

Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.

Make Ahead for Parties: Perfect for feeding a crowd; doubles easily for a 9×15-inch dish.

Serving Idea: Serve with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish that combines comfort and elegance. With soft, custardy bread, sweet strawberries, and a creamy custard, it’s perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or any morning when you want to treat yourself.