Dreamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe

Creamy strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake combines decadent breakfast magic with simple home-style comfort.

Soft bread layers transform into a pillowy casserole bursting with sweet berry goodness.

Weekends deserve something special that feels like a warm morning hug.

Classic ingredients dance together in an irresistible breakfast symphony that sparks joy at first bite.

Crisp edges mingle with luscious cream cheese filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Minimal prep means maximum deliciousness, letting you savor precious moments with loved ones.

Wake up to this dreamy dish and let breakfast become your favorite celebration of the day.

What Goes in Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

• Brioche Bread: A rich, buttery bread that provides a sturdy base for the French toast bake and absorbs the custard beautifully.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the strawberry mixture, adding richness to the dish.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the cream cheese filling, creating a luscious texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds vibrant color, fresh flavor, and natural sweetness to the cream cheese filling.

• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the custard mixture together.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, luxurious custard base.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, comforting spice that complements the sweet ingredients.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
• Maple Syrup: Provides an extra layer of sweetness and traditional breakfast flavor.

Step-by-Step for Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prepare Strawberries

Wash and hull the strawberries, then dice them into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the cream cheese filling.

Step 2: Create Cream Cheese Mixture

Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look silky and have no lumps.

Step 3: Combine Strawberries and Cream Cheese

Gently fold diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even incorporation of fruit that creates a vibrant, textured filling.

Step 4: Slice Bread

Cut brioche bread into thick, sturdy slices that will hold up well when soaking in the custard mixture.

Step 5: Whisk Custard Base

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Create a rich, aromatic custard base that will infuse the bread with incredible flavor.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish thoroughly with butter, covering every surface to prevent sticking and promote a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 7: Layer First Bread Base

Arrange half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation for the stuffed French toast.

Step 8: Spread Strawberry Filling

Carefully spread the strawberry cream cheese mixture over the first bread layer, ensuring even distribution for a perfect bite every time.

Step 9: Add Top Bread Layer

Place the remaining bread slices on top of the filling, creating a delicious layered casserole.

Step 10: Pour Custard

Slowly and evenly pour the prepared egg custard over the entire dish, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid completely.

Step 11: Chill and Soak

Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the custard and intensify the flavors.

Step 12: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dish is chilling, preparing for perfect baking conditions.

Step 13: Add Maple Syrup

Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and drizzle maple syrup over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 14: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets, creating a puffy, custardy texture.

Step 15: Rest and Serve

Let the French toast bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. This short resting period helps it set and makes cutting much easier.

Smart Tips for Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

• Prep Strawberries with Precision: Wash and hull strawberries carefully, then dice them into small, uniform pieces to guarantee an even distribution of fruity goodness in every bite.
• Create Silky Cream Cheese Base: Blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until perfectly smooth, creating a luxurious foundation for the strawberry filling.
• Layer Strategically: Arrange bread slices carefully to create a solid base that will absorb the custard without becoming soggy, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Soak Smartly: Let the dish chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing bread to soak up the custard completely and intensify the flavor profile.
• Bake to Golden Perfection: Watch the oven carefully, aiming for a golden-brown top and set center that promises a heavenly breakfast experience.

Different Takes on Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

• Berry Bliss Variation: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity flavor profile and vibrant color.
• Tropical Delight Option: Replace strawberries with diced mangoes or passion fruit for a Caribbean-inspired cream cheese filling.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free bread like almond flour bread or coconut bread to accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Breakfast Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a completely dairy-free and egg-free version.

What Pairs Well with Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, sweet strawberry cream cheese flavors with a full-bodied Pinot Noir, which enhances the fruity notes and balances the breakfast dish's decadence.
• Create Citrus Mimosa Contrast: Serve alongside a bright, zesty mimosa made with fresh orange juice and champagne, cutting through the creamy texture and adding a refreshing morning element.
• Match with Vanilla Cold Brew: Elevate the breakfast experience with a smooth, chilled vanilla cold brew coffee that highlights the cinnamon undertones and provides a cool caffeine kick.
• Select Almond Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the French toast bake to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty complexity that complements the soft, custardy base.

Store and Reheat Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the strawberry French toast bake fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Reheat single servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking periodically to avoid overheating and maintaining the dish's creamy consistency.

Your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Questions

• How do I know if my cream cheese is soft enough to mix?

Test the cream cheese by pressing it with a fork. If it easily indents without resistance, it’s ready. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before mixing.

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries release too much liquid and can make the filling watery. If using frozen, thaw and thoroughly drain them first.

• What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche is ideal due to its rich, buttery texture. Challah or thick-cut white bread can also work well. Avoid thin or very soft bread that might disintegrate during soaking.

Why Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Wins Hearts

• Simplify Morning Prep: Ditch the individual French toast routine and dive into this baked version that serves everyone simultaneously with minimal hands-on cooking.
• Customize Your Feast: Swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or peaches to match seasonal availability and personal taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile.
• Feed a Crowd Seamlessly: Perfect for weekend gatherings, brunch parties, or family reunions where you want a delicious meal without standing over the stove flipping individual pieces.
• Prep-Ahead Breakfast Magic: Assemble the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven in the morning for a stress-free, delectable breakfast that feels like a special occasion.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake delivers pure breakfast bliss with layers of silky cream cheese and sweet strawberries. Crisp edges and tender center promise a delightful morning indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Berries and Filling:

• 2 cups strawberries, fresh
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Bread and Base:

• 1 loaf brioche bread
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and hull the strawberries, then dice them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cream cheese filling.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base for the strawberry mixture.
3. Gently fold the diced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even incorporation of fruit and creating a vibrant, textured filling.
4. Slice the brioche bread into thick, sturdy pieces that will absorb the custard mixture without falling apart during baking.
5. Whisk together eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl, creating a rich, aromatic custard base for the French toast.
6. Generously grease a baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and promote a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Layer half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation for the stuffed French toast.
8. Carefully spread the strawberry cream cheese filling over the first layer of bread, distributing it evenly to guarantee a perfect bite in every serving.
9. Top the filling with the remaining bread slices, creating a layered casserole that will bake into a decadent breakfast treat.
10. Pour the prepared egg custard slowly and evenly over the entire dish, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid completely.
11. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, enabling the bread to absorb the custard fully and intensify the flavors.
12. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dish is chilling, ensuring the perfect baking temperature.
13. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover, then drizzle maple syrup over the top for an additional layer of sweetness.
14. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, creating a puffy, custardy texture.
15. Allow the French toast bake to cool for 10 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Strawberry Selection: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries at peak season for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor in the cream cheese filling.
• Bread Choice: Opt for day-old brioche or challah bread as they absorb custard better and provide a rich, tender texture to the French toast bake.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making morning preparation a breeze.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk, use gluten-free bread, and replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg