Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why This Baked French Toast Will Change Your Mornings
- Why This Recipe Works: Texture, Flavor, and Simplicity
- Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
- How to Make BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST
- Expert Tips for Success: Elevate Your Baked French Toast
- What to Serve With Your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- Storing & Reheating Baked French Toast
- Frequently Asked Questions About Baked French Toast
Introduction: Why This Baked French Toast Will Change Your Mornings
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of golden-brown brioche, soaked in a rich, vanilla-kissed custard, and baked to perfection with sweet, bursting strawberries nestled throughout, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Friends, this isn’t just breakfast; it’s a gourmet experience that transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary one. The texture? Think incredibly soft and custard-like on the inside, with a gloriously crispy, slightly chewy exterior that offers the perfect bite every single time. And the flavor? It’s a symphony of sweet berries, rich cream, and warm, comforting bread that will have your taste buds singing. If you’re looking for more easy recipes to elevate your cooking, you can See more easy recipes right here!
Beyond the Pan: The Ease and Joy of Baked French Toast
Forget standing over a hot stovetop, painstakingly flipping individual slices of French toast. The beauty of baked French toast lies in its sheer simplicity and hands-off approach. You assemble it, pop it in the oven, and emerge a hero. This method ensures every piece is evenly cooked, gloriously golden, and infused with flavor, all while you sip your coffee or set the table. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a luxurious weekend brunch without the fuss.
My Personal Journey to the Perfect Weekend Brunch
As a seasoned food blogger, I’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen perfecting brunch dishes. Traditional French toast was always a favorite, but the constant flipping often meant I missed out on the morning chatter with my family. I yearned for a recipe that delivered the same incredible flavor and texture, but with minimal effort. After numerous experiments, tweaking ratios of custard to bread, testing different baking temperatures, and playing with flavor combinations, I finally landed on this BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST. It’s become a weekend staple, a recipe that guarantees smiles and full, happy bellies, and now I’m thrilled to share my absolute best version with you!
Why This Recipe Works: Texture, Flavor, and Simplicity
- Custard-Like Interior with a Golden Crust: The Texture Magic: Our careful combination of ingredients and precise baking technique ensures that the bread soaks up the custard perfectly, resulting in an incredibly moist, custardy interior that practically melts in your mouth, while the top forms a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
- Bursting Strawberry Sweetness & Creamy Richness: A Flavor Symphony: The fresh strawberries burst with sweet-tart juice as they bake, creating pockets of vibrant flavor that perfectly complement the rich, creamy custard and the tang of the cream cheese glaze. Each bite is a harmonious blend of indulgence.
- One Pan Wonder: Maximizing Flavor, Minimizing Effort: This recipe utilizes a single baking dish, simplifying both the preparation and the cleanup. All the delicious flavors meld together beautifully in one pan, creating a cohesive and deeply satisfying dish without the kitchen chaos.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Your Stress-Free Brunch Solution: One of the greatest advantages is its make-ahead potential. Assemble it the night before, let the flavors meld and the bread soak, then simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This is the ultimate stress-free solution for entertaining or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Here is what you need and why:
The Bread: Choosing for Structure and Soaking: For baked French toast, the bread is paramount. I highly recommend a sturdy, slightly stale bread like challah, brioche, or a good quality French baguette. These breads have enough structure to hold up to the custard without becoming mushy, and their slightly dry nature allows them to absorb the rich liquid beautifully. Avoid soft sandwich bread; it will disintegrate. If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast slices in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
The Custard Base: Achieving Richness and Flavor: Our custard is the heart of this dish. It’s built on a foundation of whole milk and heavy cream, which provides an unparalleled richness and creamy texture. Eggs are essential for setting the custard and creating that luxurious, almost pudding-like consistency. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but I highly recommend sticking with the full-fat versions for the best results.
Fresh Strawberries: Why Fresh is Best (and how to use frozen): Fresh, ripe strawberries are truly divine here, offering a vibrant burst of sweetness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness. They hold their shape beautifully and release just enough juice to mingle with the custard. If fresh are out of season, frozen strawberries (unsweetened) can be used. Thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to prevent the French toast from becoming watery. You might also want to pat them dry.
Creamy Elements: Enhancing Indulgence: Aside from the heavy cream in the custard, we’re using cream cheese for a delectable glaze. Full-fat cream cheese is key here for that iconic creamy texture and slight tang that balances the sweetness. For a dairy-free alternative in the glaze, a high-quality vegan cream cheese alternative could work, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Sweeteners & Flavorings: Balancing the Profile: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth. Don’t skimp on the vanilla! A good quality extract makes a noticeable difference. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added to the custard for an extra layer of warmth, especially during cooler months.
How to Make BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST
Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless execution:
1. Preparation: Getting Ahead
Start by slicing your bread into thick 1-inch pieces. This thickness is crucial for absorbing the custard without becoming too soggy. Arrange them snugly in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Wash and hull your fresh strawberries, then slice any large ones in half. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. This is your luscious custard mixture.
2. Assembling the French Toast: Layers of Deliciousness
Evenly pour the prepared custard mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring every piece is thoroughly saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Scatter the fresh strawberry slices over the top of the bread. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and custardy your French toast will be!
3. Baking: The Transformation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while the oven heats up. Uncover the dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown on top, puffed up, and the custard is set in the center (a knife inserted should come out clean). If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
4. Finishing Touches: The Grand Reveal
While the French toast bakes, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or cream until smooth and creamy. Once the French toast is out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling generously with the cream cheese glaze. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Expert Tips for Success: Elevate Your Baked French Toast
- The Overnight Soak: Maximizing Absorption: This is a game-changer! Allowing the bread to soak in the custard overnight ensures it completely absorbs all the liquid, leading to an incredibly tender, custardy interior. Don’t rush this step for the best results.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensuring Even Baking: Arrange your bread slices in a single, snug layer, but avoid excessive crowding. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even baking and that desirable golden-brown crust on top.
- Preventing Soggy Bottoms: The Secret to Perfection: The key to avoiding a soggy bottom is using slightly stale or toasted bread. Also, ensure your custard isn’t pooling at the bottom by pressing down the bread occasionally during the initial soak to help it absorb evenly.
- Temperature Control: Avoiding Burnt Edges: If you notice the edges or top browning too quickly before the center is set, simply tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This protects the exterior while allowing the inside to cook through.
- Customize Your Toppings: Personalizing Every Bite: While the cream cheese glaze is heavenly, don’t stop there! Consider a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of toasted nuts, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. For an extra treat, try a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
What to Serve With Your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Syrup & Sauces: The Classic Pairings
No French toast is complete without a drizzle of something sweet! While our cream cheese glaze is a star, feel free to add a side of warm pure maple syrup or even a homemade strawberry compote for an extra berry boost. A chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips could also be a fun addition for those with a sweet tooth.
Proteins & Savory Sides: Balancing the Meal
To create a truly balanced brunch, pair your sweet French toast with some savory delights. Crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or even a frittata or scrambled eggs will provide a wonderful contrast in flavors and textures. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also add a fresh element to the plate.
Beverage Pairings: Completing the Experience
Of course, coffee is a must! A steaming hot cup of your favorite brew, perhaps a latte or cappuccino, is the perfect companion. For a brighter option, a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, a mimosa, or a sparkling raspberry lemonade would be delightful. Don’t forget a pitcher of water with lemon slices for hydration!
Storing & Reheating Baked French Toast
Storage: Keeping it Fresh
Leftover BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it still makes for a wonderful, quick breakfast later in the week. I do not recommend freezing the prepared French toast with the cream cheese glaze on it, as the texture of the glaze can change upon thawing.
Reheating: Bringing it Back to Life
To reheat, place individual portions on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds, though the edges won’t be as crispy. Add fresh glaze or a dollop of whipped cream if desired after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked French Toast
Can I use frozen strawberries?
What’s the best bread to use?
Can I make this dairy-free?
How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?
Can this be made ahead of time?
BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Description
Experience the ultimate weekend indulgence with this easy, make-ahead BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST. Featuring a rich, custardy interior, sweet bursting berries, and a tangy cream cheese glaze, it’s a breakfast masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) sturdy bread (challah, brioche, or baguette), cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Custard: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange bread slices snugly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
- Assemble and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all slices are coated. Gently scatter sliced strawberries over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove dish from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: While French toast bakes, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Let baked French toast cool for 5-10 minutes, then drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins