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