Description
Indulge in this irresistible baked French toast casserole, featuring custardy bread, a creamy cheese layer, and sweet strawberries. Perfect for a crowd and easily prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch slices or cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Arrange bread slices or cubes in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure saturation.
- In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drop small dollops of cream cheese mixture over the bread.
- Scatter sliced strawberries evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove French toast from the refrigerator and uncover.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown, set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins