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