If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing breakfast, this Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is the perfect dish! Made with soft bread, juicy strawberries, rich cream cheese, and a sweet cinnamon-infused custard, this baked French toast is crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside.
It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast casserole, perfect for weekends, holidays, brunch, or meal prep. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a sweet and satisfying breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
✔ Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast – Prepare it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
✔ Perfectly Sweet & Creamy – A delicious mix of strawberries, cream cheese, and cinnamon custard.
✔ Great for Feeding a Crowd – Serves multiple people with minimal effort.
✔ Customizable – Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or bananas.
Ingredients for French Toast Bake
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cubed
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, sliced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
1. Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Assemble the French Toast Bake
Layer half of the cubed bread into the dish. Evenly distribute cream cheese cubes and sliced strawberries over the bread. Add the remaining bread cubes on top.
3. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
4. Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts. Sprinkle over the French toast bake.
6. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup, extra strawberries, or whipped cream.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
✅ Overnight Option: Assemble everything the night before and let it sit in the fridge. Just bake in the morning!
✅ Use Different Breads: Try brioche, challah, or cinnamon swirl bread for added flavor.
✅ Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
✅ Swap the Fruit: Substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas.
✅ Make It Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
What to Serve with French Toast Bake
This dish pairs perfectly with:
✔ Crispy Bacon or Sausage – A savory contrast to the sweetness.
✔ Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing side.
✔ Greek Yogurt & Honey – Adds creaminess and a protein boost.
✔ Hot Coffee or Tea – A perfect way to start the morning.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing?
Yes! Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Health & Diet Benefits of Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Is Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Healthy?
While this dish is an indulgent breakfast treat, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
✔ Protein & Calcium – Eggs, milk, and cream cheese provide protein for muscle health and calcium for strong bones.
✔ Antioxidants & Fiber – Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.
✔ Whole Grains Option – Using whole wheat or high-fiber bread can increase fiber and make it more nutritious.
How to Make It Healthier
✅ Use Whole Wheat Bread – Increases fiber and reduces refined carbs.
✅ Reduce Sugar – Swap maple syrup for honey or use a sugar substitute.
✅ Use Low-Fat Dairy – Substitute low-fat milk and cream cheese for fewer calories.
✅ Add More Fruit – Increase the strawberries or add blueberries for extra vitamins and fiber.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is It Good for Weight Loss?
While not a low-calorie dish, you can enjoy it in moderation or make lighter swaps like whole wheat bread, less sugar, and Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use:
✔ Almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
✔ Dairy-free cream cheese as a substitute.
✔ Vegan butter for greasing the dish.
Is It Suitable for a Low-Carb or Keto Diet?
Since traditional French toast contains bread and sugar, it’s not keto-friendly. However, you can make a low-carb version by using:
✔ Low-carb bread
✔ Sugar-free sweeteners
✔ Heavy cream instead of milk
With these tweaks, you can enjoy a healthier, lower-carb version of this delicious breakfast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
The most common mistake is using too much liquid in the custard, which makes the bread soggy. Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps absorb the mixture without getting mushy.
What is strawberry cream cheese good for?
Strawberry cream cheese is perfect for bagels, toast, waffles, pancakes, and crepes. It also works as a dip for fruit, a filling for pastries, or a topping for French toast and cheesecakes.
What is strawberry stuffed French toast?
Strawberry stuffed French toast is a variation where thick slices of bread are filled with a creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture, then soaked in custard and cooked until golden brown.
Do cream cheese and strawberries go together?
Yes! Cream cheese and strawberries create a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, making them ideal for desserts, breakfast dishes, and pastries.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you love this Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake, here are more sweet and satisfying breakfast recipesto explore:
🍓 Strawberry Purée – Secrets to Make It Perfect – Learn the best techniques to make smooth, flavorful strawberry purée for drinks, desserts, and sauces.
🍰 Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe – A rich and creamy cheesecake loaded with fresh strawberry flavor—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
🍓 How Do You Make Strawberry Purée? Complete Guide – A step-by-step guide to making fresh strawberry purée at home.
🥞 Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups – A fun twist on classic French toast with a cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese glaze.
Try these delicious breakfast ideas and let me know your favorite in the comments! 😊🍽️
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is the ultimate sweet and comforting breakfast. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch, weekend treat, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent breakfast casserole made with soft bread, sweet strawberries, and a luscious cream cheese filling. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a hint of cinnamon, this dish is perfect for brunch, holidays, special occasions, or meal prep.
Serve it warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or extra fresh strawberries for a delightful morning treat!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the French Toast Bake:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.Assemble the French Toast Bake
Spread half of the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute cream cheese cubes and sliced strawberries over the bread. Top with the remaining bread cubes.Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamonuntil smooth.Soak the Bread
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Lightly press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the French toast mixture.Bake the French Toast Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.Serve & Enjoy!
Let cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup, extra strawberries, or whipped cream.
Notes
✅ Make It Ahead: Prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
✅ Use Different Breads: Try brioche, challah, or cinnamon swirl bread for a richer flavor.
✅ Add More Flavor: Add orange zest, nutmeg, or a splash of almond extract for extra depth.
✅ Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bread, almond milk, and reduced sugar for a lighter version.
✅ Dairy-Free Version: Substitute dairy-free milk, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese.
✅ Want It Crunchier? Sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 130mg