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A plate of strawberry cheesecake stuffed French toast, with golden-brown toast filled with creamy cheesecake and fresh strawberries, topped with powdered sugar and syrup.

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

Scale

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make the Custard Mixture
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamonuntil smooth.

  4. 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.

  5. Prepare the Topping
    In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the French toast mixture.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  • Author: Sanae
  • 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