Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is like a warm hug on a plate, dripping with sweet, luscious flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, pillowy bread soaked in a creamy vanilla mixture, topped with juicy strawberries that burst with flavor. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone weak at the knees.
This dish is perfect for lazy Sunday brunches, surprise breakfast-in-bed moments, or even when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me; it’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds and thirds.
Why You'll Love This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- This incredible Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for my family. My sister’s jaw dropped as she took her first bite, claiming it was “life-changing.” I didn’t know whether to blush or bask in my newfound culinary fame.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sourdough Bread: Use thick slices for better absorption of the custard mixture; it’s wonderfully tangy and pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, sweet strawberries; they should smell heavenly and feel slightly soft.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best here; they create a rich custard base that makes this dish divine.
- Whole Milk: For creaminess, try using whole milk; it adds richness without being overly heavy.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation; trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the custard; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting over the top before serving; it adds a lovely sweetness that looks beautiful too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Prepare your kitchen by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks during baking.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.
Prepare the Bread: Cut the sourdough bread into thick slices of about one-inch each. You want them substantial enough to soak up all that delicious custard without falling apart.
Layer with Strawberries: Arrange half of the bread slices in the greased baking dish. Top them generously with sliced fresh strawberries before layering on the remaining slices of bread.
Pour Custard Over Bread: Gently pour your egg mixture over the layered bread and strawberries. Ensure every slice gets soaked in that luscious custard goodness—use a spatula to help if needed.
Bake It Up!: Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown on top and slightly puffed up.
Serve Warm: Let cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and enjoy this delightful baked treat while still warm!
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast will definitely make breakfast feel like a celebration! Each bite delivers layers of flavor that dance merrily on your palate while wrapping you in cozy nostalgia—perfectly paired with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Enjoy!
You Must Know About Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- This showstopping Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your strawberries while preheating the oven. Layer the bread in a greased baking dish, soaking it in the egg mixture. Bake until golden brown for about 30-35 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries for blueberries or bananas for a twist. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract to elevate the flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it back in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
- This professional-quality Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
When I first made this dish, my friends devoured it so quickly I barely had time to snap a photo! Their laughter filled the kitchen as they begged for seconds, creating a memory I’ll always cherish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before using in your recipe. However, be mindful that frozen berries may release more moisture during baking, leading to a slightly softer texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole grain bread instead of white bread and almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also reduce added sugars or use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Challah or brioche is ideal due to its rich flavor and ability to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. However, you could substitute with sourdough or whole wheat if desired!
Can I prepare the mixture the night before?
Yes! Prepare everything ahead of time by combining your bread and egg mixture in a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.
Conclusion for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is an easy-to-make dish that brings joy to any breakfast table. With tips on perfecting techniques, personal touches to customize flavors, and storage advice for leftovers, you’ll create delicious memories around this delightful recipe every time you serve it! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful brunch treat that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish. Soft, custardy sourdough bread is layered with juicy strawberries, creating an indulgent breakfast that’s perfect for gathering friends and family. With its warm aroma and sweet finish, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Cut sourdough into thick slices. Layer half of the slices in the baking dish, followed by half of the strawberries. Repeat the layers.
- Pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and strawberries.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute strawberries with blueberries or bananas for a different flavor. You can prepare the mixture the night before; just refrigerate overnight before baking.
