Table of Contents
Make Mornings Easier: The Best Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of golden, custardy bread mingling with sweet, juicy strawberries and a hint of vanilla. That’s precisely what awaits you with this incredible BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST recipe! Forget the frantic stovetop flipping; this oven-baked marvel delivers a perfectly crisp exterior, a tender, creamy interior, and bursts of fresh fruit in every bite. It’s an absolute game-changer for lazy weekend breakfasts or even a delightful brunch with friends, offering both convenience and utterly divine flavor. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and if you’re looking for more delicious ideas, See more easy recipes like this one!
Why This Recipe Works: Perfect Texture, Flavor, and Simplicity
- Overnight Option: This recipe can be assembled the night before, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custardy goodness and making morning prep a breeze.
- Evenly Baked: Baking in the oven ensures that every piece of French toast is cooked through to perfection, with no cold spots or burnt edges, unlike pan-frying.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to prepare coffee, set the table, or simply relax, taking the stress out of breakfast.
- Ultimate Creaminess & Flavor: The combination of milk, heavy cream, and eggs creates an incredibly rich custard, while fresh strawberries and vanilla infuse every bite with vibrant, sweet-tart notes.
- Feeding a Crowd: Easily expandable for larger gatherings, making it perfect for brunches or holiday breakfasts without requiring constant attention.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Smart Substitutions)
Here is what you need and why:
Bread: The Foundation Matters (Challah, Brioche, or Sourdough)
For the best BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST experience, start with good quality, day-old bread. Challah and Brioche are my top recommendations due to their rich, buttery crumb and ability to soak up the custard without becoming soggy. They bake up incredibly tender and flavorful. If you prefer a slight tang and a bit more chew, a sturdy Artisan Sourdough loaf works wonderfully too. Avoid soft, sandwich bread as it can disintegrate when soaked.
Dairy: For Creaminess and Binding (Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream)
The custard is the heart of French toast. You’ll need large eggs to bind everything together and create that classic, rich texture. For the liquid, a combination of whole milk and heavy cream yields the ultimate decadent result. The milk provides fat and flavor, while the heavy cream adds luxurious richness and a beautiful golden-brown finish. You can substitute with half-and-half for a slightly lighter option, or use all whole milk, but you’ll sacrifice a bit of that creamy indulgence.
Sweeteners & Flavor: The Delightful Details (Sugar, Vanilla, Cinnamon)
Granulated sugar sweetens the custard without overpowering the natural sweetness of the berries. A generous splash of pure vanilla extract is non-negotiable – it enhances all the other flavors and provides that comforting aroma we all love. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, complementing both the bread and the strawberries beautifully. A dash of nutmeg could also be a nice addition if you enjoy its flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh vs. Frozen (and Other Berries)
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal here, providing vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a lovely texture that softens beautifully when baked. If fresh are out of season or unavailable, frozen sliced strawberries can absolutely be used. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent your French toast from becoming watery. Feel free to experiment with other berries, too – a mix of blueberries and raspberries would be fantastic!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Baked French Toast Perfection
Follow these step-by-step photos:
1. Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This ensures your beautiful French toast won’t stick and makes for easier cleanup later. This simple step is crucial for that golden, caramelized bottom crust.
2. Whisk Up the Egg Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined and smooth. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. This velvety custard is what will transform your bread into a moist, flavorful delight.
3. Soak the Bread Just Right
Arrange your bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Slowly pour the egg custard evenly over the bread, ensuring each piece is well coated. Gently press down on the bread slices to help them absorb the liquid. Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if you have time – up to an hour at room temperature, or even overnight in the refrigerator (covered!).
4. Layering for Success
Once the bread is adequately soaked, you can rearrange the slices slightly if needed, creating a snug, appealing layer. This helps hold their shape during baking and ensures a beautiful presentation. You’re building the base for a truly spectacular breakfast!
5. Adding Those Delicious Berries
Scatter the fresh (or thawed and drained) sliced strawberries evenly over the soaked bread. You can gently tuck some in between the slices too. Don’t be shy – this is where the ‘strawberries and cream’ magic truly comes to life! You could even add a few dollops of cream cheese mixture at this point for extra richness.
6. Baking Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown, puffed, and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (from the custard, not from a berry!). If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success Every Time
- Don’t Over-Soak Your Bread: While soaking is good, turning your bread into mush is not. Aim for thoroughly saturated but still structurally sound slices. About 15-20 minutes for denser breads, less for softer ones, is usually perfect for same-day baking.
- Preheating is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting in the French toast. This helps set the custard quickly and prevents a soggy bottom.
- Coverage for Even Browning: If you notice the edges are browning much faster than the center, or if your berries seem to be drying out, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Resting Time After Baking: Just like a roast, French toast benefits from a short rest (5-10 minutes) after coming out of the oven. This allows the custard to fully set and makes for easier serving.
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart. Fresh, soft bread can become too mushy.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to your custard; it brightens the strawberry flavor beautifully.
What to Serve With Your Baked French Toast
This BAKED STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH TOAST is incredibly satisfying on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it to brunch perfection!
- Classic Toppings (Maple Syrup, Whipped Cream): A drizzle of warm, pure maple syrup is an absolute must. For that ‘cream’ in ‘strawberries and cream,’ a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this dish over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a touch more sweetness.
- Fruit Pairings: While it already contains strawberries, a side of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries) or sliced bananas adds more natural sweetness and a lovely counterpoint.
- Protein Boosters: To make it a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or a perfectly poached egg.
- Coffee & Beverages: A hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a mimosa, or a glass of cold milk are perfect complements.
Storing and Reheating Baked French Toast
One of the beauties of baked French toast is how well it stores and reheats, making it perfect for meal prepping!
- Cooling and Airtight Storage: Allow any leftover French toast to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation which can lead to sogginess. Transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, and frozen for up to 1-2 months.
- Best Reheating Methods (Oven, Microwave):
- Oven (Recommended): For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. This method helps maintain its texture.
- Microwave: While quicker, microwaving can sometimes make French toast a bit softer. Reheat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
- Toaster Oven: A toaster oven is great for reheating individual slices, providing a nice crisp exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked French Toast
Can I assemble this the night before?
What kind of bread is best?
Can I use frozen berries?
How do I know when it’s done?
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast delight with this easy-to-make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast. Featuring a rich, custardy bread baked with fresh strawberries, it’s perfect for brunch or a special morning treat.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (approx. 1 lb) day-old Challah or Brioche bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (or thawed and drained frozen strawberries)
- Butter, for greasing
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Oven & Dish. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Step 2: Make Custard. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Step 3: Soak Bread. Arrange bread slices in the prepared dish. Pour custard evenly over bread, gently pressing to submerge. Soak for 15-20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 4: Add Strawberries. Scatter sliced strawberries evenly over the soaked bread.
- Step 5: Bake. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and custard is set. If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Step 6: Serve. Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup and whipped cream, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins