If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s both comforting and a little indulgent, you’re going to absolutely love this Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has become the star of a weekend brunch or a holiday morning at my house. The creamy layers of rich cream cheese and sweet strawberries nestled between cubes of fluffy brioche bread make every bite an irresistible treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to for special mornings!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep this the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, which means less stress when company arrives.
Beautiful Layers of Flavor: The combo of cream cheese and fresh strawberries creates a luscious, tangy-sweet bite every time.
Perfect Texture: Brioche soaks up the custard without getting soggy, leaving you with that ideal soft-yet-firm bite.
Family-Approved Breakfast: I’ve lost count of how many times my family has requested this on special weekends—it’s always a hit!

A deep white baking dish filled with several layers starting with toasted bread pieces that are golden brown and slightly crispy, topped with a thick creamy yellow custard layer that seeps into the bread, sprinkled with a light dusting of white powdered sugar across the surface. Fresh, bright red strawberry pieces are scattered evenly over the top, adding a fresh and juicy texture contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the baking dish at the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast, baked French toast with strawberries and cream, easy strawberry brioche breakfast, luscious baked French toast, weekend brunch French toast

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using fresh, quality ingredients really makes this Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe shine. Brioche bread is my bread of choice because it soaks up the custard beautifully and adds just the right buttery flavor. Also, don’t skimp on the fresh strawberries – their bright flavor balances out the rich cream cheese layer perfectly.

Flat lay of a sliced loaf of brioche bread in cubes, small cubes of cream cheese, fresh diced strawberries with some whole strawberries nearby, a cluster of twelve whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl filled with amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl containing kosher salt, and a small white bowl of confectioners’ sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast, baked French toast with strawberries and cream, easy strawberry brioche breakfast, luscious baked French toast, weekend brunch French toast

Brioche bread: Choose a fresh, soft loaf with sturdy slices for the best texture and custard absorption.
Cream cheese: Softened and cubed, it melts into the layers giving a creamy richness that’s not overpowering.
Strawberries: Fresh and diced; you want them juicy but firm, avoiding overly ripe berries to prevent sogginess.
Eggs: Large eggs create the rich custard base that holds everything together beautifully.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard—don’t substitute skim milk for the same texture.
Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness with depth—you’ll notice how it complements the strawberries perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch boosts all the sweet flavors with warm aromatics.
Kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness, making every bite more balanced and flavorful.
Confectioners’ sugar: For a dusting at the end that adds a pretty, bakery-style finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe is that it’s so easy to tweak it based on what you have or your mood. Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or vary the cheese layer—there’s lots of room for customization!

Berry Mix: I often use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to add a nice variety of flavors and colors.
Different Cheeses: Cream cheese is classic, but I sometimes mix in mascarpone for an extra creamy texture.
Gluten-Free Bread: When I need a gluten-free option, a sturdy gluten-free loaf works surprisingly well here, just watch soaking times.
Spiced Touch: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mix offers a cozy, warm note I adore in cooler months.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Layers

Start by lightly spraying or buttering your 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Then, layer half of your cubed brioche evenly across the bottom. The next layer is where the magic happens—scatter your cubed cream cheese evenly over the bread, then sprinkle half the diced strawberries on top. Finish this layering with the remaining bread cubes, making sure they cover the filling completely. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of sweet and creamy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Custard

In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layers—make sure every piece gets soaked, which helps avoid dry spots. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is my personal favorite. This soaking time lets the bread fully absorb the custard, resulting in that perfect soft yet cohesive texture.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Once you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes—this step helps the baking to be more even and quicker. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the french toast is golden brown on top and the center feels firm when lightly pressed. The smell as it bakes is heavenly—I sometimes find myself sneaking a peek early!

Step 4: Serve with Fresh Strawberries and a Dusting of Sugar

Right after pulling it from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh strawberries over the top along with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar. This adds a fresh, bright finish and a pretty presentation that feels just right for weekends or holiday mornings.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe

Use Day-Old Brioche: I learned that slightly stale brioche soaks up the custard better without turning mushy—fresh bread can be too soft and fall apart.
Don’t Skip Refrigeration: Letting it soak overnight helps the bread absorb the custard fully and makes the texture smooth and custardy throughout.
Room Temperature Rest Before Baking: I found that letting the dish sit out for 30 minutes prevents cold spots and helps it cook evenly.
Cover While Baking Initially: Covering the dish for the first 30 minutes traps moisture so the inside cooks fully before crisping up the top.

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe

Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always like to keep it simple but fresh. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar adds a pretty, sweet sparkle, and I never skip extra fresh strawberries on top—they give a nice juicy burst and look so inviting. Sometimes, I drizzle a little more warm maple syrup or a splash of cream for added indulgence.

Side Dishes

Since this baked French toast is rich and filling, I enjoy pairing it with light sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a salty contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I’ve served this in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—it’s such a crowd-pleaser that way, and everyone loves the personal touch. Another idea is to layer it in a trifle dish as a dessert alternative, topped with whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3-4 days. The texture changes a bit but reheating brings back much of its original charm. I always recommend refrigerating promptly to keep the berries fresh.

Freezing

Freezing baked French toast can be a lifesaver—just cut it into portions, wrap each piece well, and freeze. When I do this, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently. It doesn’t quite match fresh but works wonderfully for a make-ahead breakfast option.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is either in a toaster oven or the regular oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the edges crisp and warms the custard layers without drying it out, which can happen in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich flavor and softness, you can substitute challah, French bread, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread isn’t too dense or overly crusty to ensure it soaks up the custard well.
Can I prepare this recipe without cream cheese?

You can, but cream cheese adds a lovely creamy tang that complements the strawberries beautifully. If you want to skip it, consider swapping with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar effect or simply double up on the strawberries for sweetness.
Is it okay to refrigerate the soaked bread overnight?

Yes! Refrigerating overnight is actually preferred because it allows the bread to soak up the custard fully, yielding the best texture. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly to prevent it from drying out.
How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be beautifully golden brown, and when you gently press the center, it should feel firm—not jiggly. If using a thermometer, aim for about 165°F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberries and Cream Baked French Toast Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turns an ordinary breakfast into something truly festive and memorable. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, or just treating yourself to a luxurious morning, this recipe makes it easy to impress with minimal last-minute effort. I really hope you’ll make it soon and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite as much as my family does. Happy baking!