Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture. These spices pair beautifully with the strawberries and the rich brioche. If the top begins to brown too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent the baking dish with a piece of aluminium foil to protect the fruit and bread while the custard finishes cooking through.

To achieve a more uniform bake, ensure the cream cheese is chilled before cutting it into cubes. This makes the cheese easier to handle and ensures the cubes hold their shape while being tucked into the bread.

When slicing the strawberries, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size to ensure they soften at the same rate and provide a balanced distribution of fruit throughout the dish.

Variations

• Berry Medley Bake: Replace the strawberries with a mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries for a more complex fruit profile. The tartness of the raspberries balances the sweetness of the brioche perfectly.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Whisk one tablespoon of fresh lemon zest into the custard mixture. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the cream cheese and elevate the overall flavor of the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Allow the French toast bake to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before covering it. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out.

Keep the dish in the refrigerator where it will maintain its quality for up to three days. When ready to serve again, ensure it is reheated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This dish is excellent for preparation in advance. You can assemble the bread and cream cheese in the dish and prepare the custard separately. Pour the custard over the bread and let it soak in the refrigerator for up to four hours before baking.

This allows the bread to absorb the liquid fully, resulting in a more uniform texture. Do not top with fresh strawberries until just before baking to keep them firm and prevent excess juice release.

Serving ideas

Serve this French toast bake warm, directly from the baking dish. It pairs well with a light dusting of confectioners' sugar if desired. Given the richness of the cream cheese and the sweetness of the brioche, it serves perfectly as a standalone breakfast or brunch item. Consider offering fresh berries on the side to provide a fresh, cooling contrast to the warm, baked bread.

When serving, use a sharp spatula to cut neat squares from the dish, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of the cream cheese pockets and baked strawberries.

If serving for a larger group, you can place the baking dish on a heat-safe trivet in the center of the table, allowing guests to serve themselves. The dish holds heat well, so it will remain warm and inviting for the duration of the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

Prep 15 minCook 40 minRest 10 minTotal 1 h 5 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

1. Arrange the brioche cubes in a large ceramic baking dish. Evenly tuck the small cubes of cream cheese between the bread pieces to ensure they are distributed throughout the dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese, making sure every cube is soaked. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the top is golden and puffed. To ensure the eggs are fully cooked through, they must reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: This dish contains soft-set eggs. Use pasteurised eggs for pregnant women, young children, older adults and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

10 g

Carbohydrates

40 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

15 g

Sodium

350 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.