Prepare to transform your ordinary morning routine into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone at the breakfast table begging for seconds! This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is not just a recipe; it's a decadent morning masterpiece that combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese, the sweet burst of fresh strawberries, and the luxurious softness of brioche bread. Imagine waking up to a dish so irresistible that it turns breakfast into a celebration – no fancy chef skills required!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Cube the brioche bread into 1-inch pieces. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop the cream cheese and strawberry mixture over the bread cubes, creating an even layer that covers most of the bread.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined and the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the bread and cream cheese layer, ensuring all bread cubes are moistened.
- Sprinkle the remaining strawberry slices on top of the dish for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let the French toast bake rest for 10 minutes to allow the custard to set and cool slightly.
- Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm, optionally with additional fresh strawberries or maple syrup.
Tips
- Bread Selection: Use day-old brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy, while slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
- Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly with the strawberries.
- Even Moisture Distribution: Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly to guarantee every bread cube gets soaked, preventing dry spots in your bake.
- Strawberry Pro Tip: For intense flavor, you can macerate the strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar for 15 minutes before adding them to the recipe.
- Baking Precision: Cover with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning, then uncover to achieve that perfect golden top.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for an effortless breakfast.
- Serving Suggestion: While powdered sugar is classic, consider serving with a drizzle of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 220mg
