Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake: An Easy Morning Dream

Ever have one of those mornings where you want something special for breakfast but the idea of standing over a hot pan just isn’t happening? You know the feeling, right? This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is your answer. It’s that perfect make-ahead dish that lets you prep the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and be the hero of your own kitchen. Honestly, I think this might just become your new go-to for brunch with friends or a cozy weekend treat for the family.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is the ultimate cozy comfort food. It feels indulgent and fancy, but it’s secretly so simple to pull together. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and rich, creamy cheese is just dreamy. And because it’s a bake, you get to skip the whole standing-and-flipping-each-slice routine. Everything cooks together in one dish, making your morning so much smoother. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for your breakfast buffet or a quiet morning with a good book. So good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 loaf (about 16 oz) French or Challah bread, preferably a day old: Stale bread soaks up the custard like a dream.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: For that luscious, rich filling.
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer perfectly.
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Brings a bright, fresh flavor.
• 8 large eggs: The base of our custard.
• 2 cups whole milk: For a creamy, rich texture.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes it extra decadent.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: A must for that warm, classic French toast flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of cozy spice.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances all the sweetness.
• Maple syrup and extra strawberries, for serving: The perfect finishing touch.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Tear your bread into roughly 1-inch chunks and spread half of them in an even layer in the bottom of the dish.
2. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and well combined. Drop little spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture over the bread layer in the dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect—little pockets of cream cheese are what we’re after!
3. Scatter your sliced strawberries over the cream cheese. Top with the remaining chunks of bread.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is completely combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers in your baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the top layer, helping all the bread chunks get submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This is the magic step that makes your morning so easy.
7. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the baking dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off.
8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and puffed up, and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle much when you shake the pan).
9. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a few extra fresh strawberries.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This bake is a star all on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a few simple sides. For a full breakfast buffet, consider offering crispy turkey bacon or some savory breakfast sausage links to balance the sweetness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a surprisingly great pairing for a brunch. And of course, a big pot of hot coffee or some freshly squeezed orange juice is non-negotiable. This is one of those simple breakfast ideas that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a different fruit twist, try using blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of both instead of strawberries. If you’re looking for healthy breakfast recipes, you can use whole wheat bread, swap the whole milk for your favorite milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two. Not a cream cheese fan? You could substitute with ricotta for a slightly lighter feel. And for a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and cream. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully! Let the bake cool completely, then cover it tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, your best bet is the oven. Pop a portion in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a super quick breakfast idea—just heat in 30-second bursts until it’s hot. The texture is best fresh, but it’s still delicious as a next-day treat.

Tips For Success

• Use day-old, slightly stale bread. It absorbs the custard without turning to mush.
• Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for the bread to soak up all that delicious custard.
• If your berries are super juicy, you can toss them with a teaspoon of cornstarch before adding them to help absorb some liquid.
• For an extra crunchy top, sprinkle a tablespoon of turbinado sugar over the bake right before it goes in the oven.
• If the top is browning too quickly, just tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
• Have fun with it! This recipe is very forgiving, so don’t stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this completely ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the entire bake the night before, cover it, and let it chill overnight. In the morning, just bake as directed. It’s the ultimate solution for easy breakfast ideas.
• Is this dish considered a healthy breakfast recipe? It’s a hearty and satisfying treat. You can easily lighten it up with the substitutions mentioned above, like using whole wheat bread and lower-fat dairy options, to fit it into your healthy food ideas.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? You can, but thaw and drain them very well to avoid adding too much extra liquid to your bake, which can make it soggy.
• What’s the best bread to use? A sturdy bread is key. French bread, brioche, or challah all work wonderfully because they can hold up to the custard without disintegrating.