When it comes to breakfast, nothing beats the magic of waking up to the smell of something sweet, comforting, and utterly indulgent baking in the oven. If you’ve ever wanted to combine the joy of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole, this Strawberry French Toast Casserole is about to become your go-to recipe. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or when you simply want to treat your loved ones, this dish offers all the creamy, fruity, and slightly crunchy textures you crave.
Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this crowd-pleasing casserole from scratch.
What Is Strawberry French Toast Casserole?
Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a baked dish that combines layers of cubed bread, fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and a custard mixture. Topped with a buttery streusel, this dish is baked to golden perfection and served warm, often with maple syrup and extra strawberries for a heavenly start to your day.
Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing by the stove flipping slices, this casserole allows you to prepare everything in one dish, making it an excellent choice for entertaining or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Most of the prep can be done the night before, giving you more time to relax in the morning.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy custard, and crunchy streusel makes every bite unforgettable.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a family brunch, or a lazy Sunday morning, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need for this delightful recipe.
For the Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large eggs | 5 | Provides structure and richness. |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups | Whole milk preferred for creaminess. |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Adds warmth and depth. |
| Maple syrup or brown sugar | ⅓ cup | Sweetens the custard mixture. |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Enhances the overall flavor. |
| Stale bread, cubed | 16 oz | Challah, brioche, or French bread work best. |
| Cream cheese, diced | 1 (8-oz) block | Adds a creamy, tangy layer. |
| Sliced strawberries | 2 cups | Fresh and juicy! |
For the Streusel Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White flour | ⅓ cup | Forms the base of the topping. |
| White sugar | ⅓ cup | Adds sweetness and crunch. |
| Cold butter | 3 tablespoons | Helps create the crumbly texture. |
To Serve
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Extra strawberries | For garnish and fresh flavor. |
| Maple syrup | A must-have for drizzling. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread Base
- Start by cubing 16 ounces of stale bread. Stale bread works better because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the Cream Cheese and Strawberries
- Scatter the diced cream cheese and sliced strawberries evenly over the bread cubes. This ensures every bite has pockets of creamy and fruity goodness.
3. Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure every piece is well-coated.
4. Chill for Best Results
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a richer flavor and texture.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter.
- Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Keep the streusel in the fridge until ready to use.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge, sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with extra strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Use the Right Bread: Sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or French bread hold up well to the custard mixture.
- Don’t Skip the Refrigeration: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight enhances the flavor and ensures an even texture.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: If the top browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Make It Your Own: Add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas for variety.
Variations You’ll Love
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the cream cheese and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers for a decadent treat.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the streusel for extra crunch.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQ: Strawberry French Toast Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next morning. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
2. What’s the best bread to use?
Stale challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal as they absorb the custard without falling apart.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake the casserole first, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
6. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese or ricotta can work as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Conclusion: Your New Breakfast Favorite Awaits
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to treat your family to a memorable breakfast, this Strawberry French Toast Casserole ticks all the boxes. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast comfort food. Trust me, your mornings will never be the same!
Strawberry French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 oz stale bread cubed (challah, brioche, or French bread)
- 1 8-oz block cream cheese, diced
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
For the Streusel Topping:
- ⅓ cup white flour
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold butter cubed
To Serve:
- Extra strawberries optional
- Maple syrup
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Base:
- Cube stale bread and place it evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Cream Cheese and Strawberries:
- Scatter diced cream cheese and sliced strawberries over the bread cubes.
Mix the Custard:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and vanilla extract.
- Pour evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Chill:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Make Streusel Topping:
- Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and refrigerate.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the streusel over the casserole.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes, then top with extra strawberries and maple syrup.