Description
Indulgent sweet strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake promises a breakfast paradise that blends creamy richness with fruity delight. Layers of golden bread, tangy cream cheese, and juicy strawberries create a morning masterpiece you’ll savor with pure breakfast bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices thick bread
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 lb fresh strawberries
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
Sweeteners and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Whip the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, then fold in diced strawberries and granulated sugar, creating a vibrant and luscious filling.
- Layer half of the bread slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of the base.
- Spread the strawberry-cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread layer, creating a decadent and colorful foundation.
- Top the filling with remaining bread slices, constructing a delightful double-layered foundation.
- In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers, allowing it to seep and saturate each slice completely. Drizzle melted butter across the top for added richness.
- Let the prepared dish rest for 15 minutes, enabling the bread to absorb the luxurious custard mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets with a slight wobble.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup before serving for an indulgent breakfast centerpiece.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the French toast bake the night before, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast experience.
- Bread Selection: Use day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for better custard absorption and a more luxurious texture.
- Dairy-Free Modification: Swap dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
- Fresh Fruit Flexibility: Replace strawberries with seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable throughout the year.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg