Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One chilly Saturday morning, I remember waking up to the scent of strawberries and sweet cream filling the kitchen. My little niece, Lily, toddled in, rubbing her sleepy eyes, and I handed her a forkful of warm, baked French toast topped with juicy strawberries. The sparkle in her eyes reminded me why I love cooking so much: it’s not just about food; it’s about creating joy and moments together. That morning, I decided to perfect my Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast recipe, a dish that’s become a weekend tradition in my house. And now, I’m excited to share it with you.
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is exactly what it sounds like: fluffy, custardy French toast, baked to golden perfection, smothered with a creamy, slightly sweet filling, and crowned with warm, syrupy strawberries. Every bite feels like a hug in breakfast form. Whether it’s for a cozy weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe always brings smiles to the table.
I’ll admit, I’ve tried dozens of ways to make baked French toast over the years, but adding the luscious cream and fresh strawberries takes it to a whole new level. The combination of flavors buttery bread, sweet cream, and slightly tart strawberries is irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, which makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something magical about a breakfast that smells as good as it tastes. I love how the aroma of baked French toast fills the house, welcoming everyone into the kitchen. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of lazy mornings spent with family, laughter bouncing around the room, and the simple joy of sharing something homemade.
What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time, add different fruits depending on the season, or even drizzle it with a touch of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence. It’s comforting, yet feels special enough to serve to guests. I also love that the recipe encourages a little creativity whether that’s with the type of bread, the berries, or the cream mixture.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast. I always use the freshest strawberries I can find, and if possible, brioche bread its rich, soft texture works perfectly here.
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thickly (about 12 slices)
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 100g granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 300ml whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving
Little kitchen secrets:
- Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Macerate the strawberries with a touch of sugar for at least 10 minutes it brings out their natural sweetness and juice.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the strawberries by tossing them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and letting them sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Make the cream filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish in a single layer. If your dish is small, slightly overlap the slices.
- Spread cream cheese mixture generously between the layers of bread. You can dollop it on and gently spread it to cover the surfaces.
- Whisk the custard by combining eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and cream. Press the bread lightly so it absorbs the custard.
- Layer the strawberries on top, letting some juice drizzle over the bread.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Optional finishing touch: Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup before serving.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast straight from the oven with a dollop of extra cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. For a touch of elegance, I add a few fresh mint leaves on top. On weekends, I serve it with a pot of hot coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.
Sometimes, I cut it into squares to serve as a brunch buffet, so everyone can grab a piece without waiting. It’s perfect for family mornings, holiday breakfasts, or even as a dessert. The strawberries warm up beautifully, blending with the cream to create a luscious, flavorful topping.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble the French toast in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next morning for a stress-free breakfast.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes, or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Pro tip: If you want to make it extra special, lightly caramelize the strawberries in a pan before layering them on top it brings a deeper, richer flavor.
100-Word Short Version
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a cozy, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for weekends and special occasions. Soft brioche slices are layered with a sweet cream cheese mixture, soaked in a custard of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. Bake until golden and custardy, then serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup. It’s easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully. The combination of fluffy bread, creamy filling, and luscious strawberries brings warmth, sweetness, and joy to the table a dish that truly feels like a hug in breakfast form.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 55 min
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thickly (about 12 slices)</li> <li>500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced</li> <li>250g cream cheese, softened</li> <li>100g granulated sugar, divided</li> <li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li> <li>4 large eggs</li> <li>300ml whole milk</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li> <li>2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</li> <li>Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.</li> <li>Toss strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and let sit 10–15 minutes.</li> <li>Mix cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla until smooth.</li> <li>Arrange bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.</li> <li>Spread cream cheese mixture between the layers of bread.</li> <li>Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter; pour evenly over bread.</li> <li>Press bread lightly to absorb custard, then layer strawberries on top.</li> <li>Bake 35–40 minutes until custard is set and top is golden.</li> <li>Optional: dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup before serving.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better.
- Assemble ahead for overnight baking.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
- Optional: caramelize strawberries for deeper flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice | Calories: 320 | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 180mg | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 8g | Cholesterol: 120mg
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a perfect weekend breakfast. Soft brioche slices layered with a creamy filling, topped with juicy strawberries, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for family mornings, brunches, or special occasions, it’s a warm, comforting treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thickly (about 12 slices)
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 100g granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 300ml whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar and let sit 10–15 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Arrange bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Spread cream cheese mixture between the layers of bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter; pour evenly over bread.
- Press bread lightly to absorb custard, then layer strawberries on top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until custard is set and top is golden.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better. Assemble ahead for overnight baking. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. Optional: caramelize strawberries for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Conclusion
Making Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast isn’t just about breakfast; it’s about creating memories, sharing warmth, and adding a little magic to ordinary mornings. I love seeing the smiles on my family’s faces as they bite into this sweet, creamy, fruity delight. Every step, from macerating the strawberries to layering the custard-soaked bread, is a small act of love. So, gather your ingredients, pour a cup of coffee, and let this recipe fill your home with comfort and joy. Baking, after all, is love made edible.