Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

A Sweet Start: Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Imagine waking up to a warm, creamy dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the cozy comfort of French toast. That’s exactly what you get with the Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole—an indulgent breakfast that’s not only delicious but also wonderfully easy to prepare. Picture an ooey-gooey casserole, bursting with juicy strawberries, drizzled with luscious cream, and baked to golden perfection.

This dish shines because it feeds a crowd with ease, making family gatherings or weekend brunches stress-free. Even better? You can prep it the night before, let it soak overnight, and simply bake it in the morning—goodbye breakfast chaos! Plus, it’s family-friendly. After all, who can resist a breakfast that tastes like dessert? If you love brunch favorites like our classic Banana Bread Pudding, this strawberry delight definitely deserves a spot on your table. Let’s dive into this berry-licious recipe!

What is Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole?

The name says it all—this dish is a dreamy marriage of breakfast and dessert. Think of it as French toast reinvented: tender bread cubes cuddling juicy strawberries, soaked in a rich custard, then baked into fluffy perfection. It’s comfort food at its finest! And as the saying goes, “the way to the heart is through the stomach”—this casserole proves it true every time. Grab your strawberries and get ready to create some delicious brunch memories!

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

• Fresh, juicy strawberries add brightness, flavor, and a pop of color to your breakfast table.

• Budget-friendly & crowd-pleasing—using simple pantry staples and fresh berries, you can feed a group without spending much.

• Delightful textures—the creamy custard, soft bread, and sweet berries make every bite irresistible.

If you’re a fan of dishes like our Savory Golden Zucchini Frittata, you’ll appreciate how this casserole is equally satisfying and show-stopping.

How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

Quick Overview

With just 15 minutes of prep and about 45 minutes of baking, you’ll have a stunning brunch dish ready to serve. It pairs beautifully with coffee and is perfect for weekends, holidays, or anytime you want a little extra indulgence.

Key Ingredients

• 1 loaf of challah or thick-cut bread

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 4 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• Powdered sugar, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter strawberries between the cubes.

2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

3. Combine: Pour custard over the bread and strawberries. Gently press down so the bread soaks up the liquid. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight).

4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and set.

5. Serve: Cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.

What to Serve It With

This casserole is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with:

• Crispy hash browns for a savory side

• A light fruit salad for freshness

• Maple syrup or homemade whipped cream for extra indulgence

• Coffee or mimosas for the perfect brunch vibe

Top Tips for Success

1. Choose the right bread: Brioche or challah works best. Slightly stale bread soaks up custard without turning mushy.

2. Mix up the berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or a combination make great swaps.

3. Make ahead: Overnight soaking = maximum flavor and convenience.

4. Bake fully: Make sure the casserole is puffed and set in the center before removing.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

• Freeze unbaked: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

 Ready to wow your family and friends? This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is creamy, fruity, and unbelievably simple—a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking and enjoy every sweet bite!

Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole

A decadent make-ahead breakfast bake featuring layers of fluffy bread, sweet cream cheese, and juicy strawberries. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
• 8 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup maple syrup or honey
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Extra strawberries and whipped cream for serving

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread half the bread cubes in the bottom.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the bread layer.
3. Sprinkle half of the strawberries on top.
4. Add the remaining bread cubes and top with the rest of the strawberries.
5. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, and maple syrup until combined. Pour evenly over the bread mixture.
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until golden and set in the middle.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream and extra strawberries.

Notes

Can be prepared the night before for stress-free mornings.

Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.