Name: Strawberry French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 16 oz Italian bread (cut into 1" cubes); 1 lb fresh strawberries (cut into small bite sized pieces); 10 count eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/3 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 12 oz. cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup water; 1 cup white sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 lb fresh strawberries (cut up)

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There’s something so comforting about a warm, inviting dish of Strawberry French Toast Bake. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making this dish for Sunday brunch. The aroma of fresh strawberries and baked bread would waft through the house, making it impossible to resist. I remember gathering around the table with loved ones, the lively chatter mixing with laughter as we dug into this delightful treat. Each bite was a burst of flavor, the sweet strawberries perfectly complementing the fluffy bread. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a casual weekend brunch, this Strawberry French Toast Bake never fails to bring smiles and satisfaction.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
55 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
8 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Blender, Large Pot, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry French Toast Bake

It’s Like a Hug in a Dish

When you take a bite of Strawberry French Toast Bake, you’re not just tasting a dish; you’re experiencing a wave of warmth and nostalgia. The combination of cream cheese and fresh strawberries creates a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, while the bread offers a delightful chewiness.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This recipe shines during special occasions, but it’s also simple enough for a quiet family breakfast. You can easily prepare it the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you sleep.

Great for Leftovers

If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), this French Toast Bake stores well in the fridge. You can reheat slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast during the week. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a little taste of indulgence even on busy mornings.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is. You can swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits, such as blueberries or peaches. Don’t be afraid to add your own spin by incorporating your favorite spices or toppings.

A Family Tradition

This Strawberry French Toast Bake has been a part of my family’s traditions for years. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, creating lasting memories around the breakfast table.

What to Buy for Strawberry French Toast Bake

Gathering the right ingredients for the Strawberry French Toast Bake is half the fun. This dish comes alive with fresh, vibrant components that work harmoniously together. The key players include Italian bread for its delightful texture, eggs for a rich custard, and of course, the star of the show, fresh strawberries.

16 oz Italian bread – The base of our bake, its sturdy texture holds up wonderfully.
1 lb fresh strawberries – Sweet and juicy, they elevate the dish to another level.
10 eggs – Essential for a rich custard that binds the ingredients.
2 cups milk – Adds creaminess and richness to the custard.
1/3 cup white sugar – Sweetness balances the dish beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla – A hint of warmth and depth in flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – For a cozy, warm spiciness.
12 oz cream cheese – Adds a rich, creamy layer to the bake.
1/4 cup milk – Used for mixing with the cream cheese.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
1 cup water – Needed for the strawberry sauce.
2 tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the strawberry sauce.

The Method for Strawberry French Toast Bake

Making this Strawberry French Toast Bake is a delightful process. You’ll love how simple it is to pull everything together! Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress everyone.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
Begin by cutting your Italian bread into 1-inch cubes. You’ll want these to be uniform so they bake evenly. Place half of the cubes into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out.
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and spreadable. Spoon dollops over the bread cubes, or you can spread it gently if you prefer.
Next, sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Then, top with the remaining bread cubes, ensuring an even distribution.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, 2 cups milk, white sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. This egg mixture is crucial for soaking the bread.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cream cheese layers, ensuring that every piece of bread is soaked. You might need to gently press the bread down to help it absorb.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the bread to get fluffy and set without browning too quickly.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. You want the center to be set and the top to be golden brown.
While the casserole bakes, prepare the strawberry sauce. In a saucepan, combine water, white sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium-high heat until it begins to boil, stirring frequently.
Once boiling, allow to boil for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the remaining chopped strawberries and reduce the heat to medium-low, cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce is thickened and bright red.
Once your Strawberry French Toast Bake is done, let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes serving easier.
Spoon warm strawberry sauce over each slice and serve hot. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Tip for Even Cooking: Make sure all your bread pieces are evenly soaked by the egg mixture. This ensures a consistent texture throughout.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, high-quality strawberries for the best flavor. Organic strawberries are often sweeter and more flavorful.
Don’t Rush the Baking: Allowing the casserole to bake covered first helps it steam and rise properly before browning.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit after it comes out of the oven helps it firm up, making it much easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Tricks about Strawberry French Toast Bake

Creating the perfect Strawberry French Toast Bake is all about the right techniques and a few handy tips. Here are some valuable insights to help you master this dish:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole; just prepare everything and cover it well. When you’re ready to bake, you can put it straight into the oven from the freezer, but add extra baking time.
Pairing: Serve this Strawberry French Toast Bake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Variations: Feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or even diced peaches for a different flavor.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for holidays, brunches, or even a cozy family breakfast.

Perfect Matches for Strawberry French Toast Bake

When it comes to serving your Strawberry French Toast Bake, there are endless options to create a memorable meal. Here are some great pairings and ideas:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful, refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Syrups and Sauces: Besides the strawberry sauce, consider serving with maple syrup or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Breakfast Meats: If you enjoy a heartier breakfast, serve alongside some turkey sausage or veggie patties.
Brunch Occasions: This dish is perfect for Easter or Mother’s Day brunch, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.
Seasonal Touch: Garnish your servings with fresh mint or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a refreshing cup of coffee or herbal tea to round out the meal.

FAQ

Absolutely! Preparing your Strawberry French Toast Bake the night before can save you a lot of time in the morning. Just follow the steps up to the point of baking it, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, you can bake it directly from the fridge, but you might need to add a few minutes to the baking time. This makes it an ideal dish for brunches and gatherings!

If you’re not a fan of strawberries or they’re out of season, you can easily substitute them with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit you use, as some may require more or less sugar.

Store any leftover Strawberry French Toast Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, consume within three days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Yes, you can freeze your Strawberry French Toast Bake. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. This will ensure a soft and fluffy casserole.

Conclusion

This Strawberry French Toast Bake is such a delightful addition to any meal, bringing together the sweet notes of fresh strawberries and a rich, custardy texture. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also creates lasting memories around the table. I encourage you to try your hand at making it and enjoy the smiles it brings to your family and friends!