As the sweet aroma of strawberries wafts through my kitchen, I'm reminded of lazy weekend mornings filled with laughter and comfort. This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is my go-to recipe for those moments when I want to indulge in something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it a delightful twist on classic French toast, but it also offers the perk of being ready in under an hour, perfect for surprising family or friends. Plus, the combination of creamy textures and juicy strawberries makes it a dish that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. Are you ready to create a breakfast that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive in!
Why is This French Toast a Must-Try?
Indulgent Flavors: The rich blend of heavy cream and vanilla creates a velvety base that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
Effortless Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for a cozy brunch without the fuss.
Heartwarming Appeal: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, the delicious aroma and warm flavors will surely create memorable moments.
Versatile Delight: You can swap strawberries for your favorite fruits, making it an adaptable recipe for any season.
This Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast captures the essence of comfort food while being a standout brunch option! For more delicious breakfast inspirations, check out my overnight oats or classic banana pancakes.
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Ingredients
For the French Toast
- Challah or Brioche Bread – 4 slices bring a soft texture and sweetness perfect for soaking up the egg mixture.
- Strawberries – 2 cups, sliced; their natural sweetness enhances the creamy layers of the dish.
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup adds richness and a luxurious texture to the custard base.
- Milk – 1 cup balances the richness of the cream for a silky finish.
- Sugar – ½ cup sweetens the mixture, adjusting to personal taste can lead to delightful experimentation.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon adds a comforting spice that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Large Eggs – 4 create the custard base, binding all the delicious ingredients together in this Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast.
This easy-to-follow ingredient list makes the preparation a breeze while ensuring that your brunch is both delightful and satisfying!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfect baking environment for your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast. While the oven heats, you can gather your ingredients and equipment, such as a mixing bowl and a baking dish, getting ready for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until everything is well combined. Aim for a smooth custard texture, as this will be the delicious bath for your bread. This step should take about 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved before pouring it over the bread.
Step 3: Arrange the Bread and Strawberries
In your greased baking dish, arrange the four slices of challah or brioche bread in a single layer. Then, layer the sliced strawberries evenly on top of the bread. The vibrant red berries will not only add flavor but also a beautiful pop of color to your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast.
Step 4: Pour the Custard Over Bread and Strawberries
Carefully pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread and strawberries, ensuring that each slice is well coated. Use a spoon to gently press down the bread to submerge it into the mixture. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the dish bakes, making for a rich and satisfying final product.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, helping to soften the bread as it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the bread to absorb the custard while puffing up just a bit.
Step 6: Uncover and Crisp Up the Top
After baking, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step allows the top of your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast to become beautifully golden and crispy, providing a delightful contrast to the tender bread beneath.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time makes it easier to serve and allows the delicious flavors to settle. Slice and serve warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, to elevate your brunch experience!
What to Serve with Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
As you indulge in the sweet layers of this comforting dish, consider pairing it with delightful accompaniments that bring joy to every bite.
- Crispy Bacon: A classic! The salty crunch enhances the creamy sweetness, providing a perfect balance in each mouthful.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a bright, juicy contrast to the rich French toast. It elevates your brunch with every colorful bite.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup over the top amplifies the sweetness, tying the flavors together beautifully. A must-have for a classic breakfast vibe!
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with granola and berries adds a guilt-free twist, introducing a satisfying crunch and tang. It enhances the overall brunch experience.
- Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: For those with a sweet tooth, serving fluffy, sugary doughnuts on the side creates a delightful indulgence alongside the French toast.
- Herb-Infused Tea: A steaming cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, provides a soothing finish, perfect for unwinding after a delightful meal.
- Iced Coffee: A refreshing iced coffee complements the flavors of the French toast while keeping your brunch casual and enjoyable.
- Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of homemade whipped cream can turn each slice into a dessert-like treat, creating a luxurious feast for any occasion.
- Chocolate Croissants: These flaky pastries add a rich, chocolatey element that pairs harmoniously with the berries, making brunch feel extra special.
- Sparkling Mimosa: For a festive touch, serve mimosas with fresh orange juice, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the French toast and elevating your brunch to a celebration.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast are perfect for busy mornings or those cozy brunch gatherings! You can prepare the custard mixture (eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk everything together, cover it, and refrigerate. The bread and strawberries can also be arranged in the baking dish ahead of time; just be sure to layer them properly to prevent browning. When you're ready to serve, pour your prepared custard over the bread and strawberries, cover, and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal morning effort!
Expert Tips for Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Choose the Right Bread: Stick to challah or brioche for the best texture, as they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish initially helps steam the bread, ensuring it's moist inside while achieving a crispy top.
Customize Your Fruits: While this is a Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, feel free to use other berries or bananas for a twist!
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the last 10-15 minutes to ensure it turns golden but doesn’t overcook into a dry mess.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving; this helps with slicing and enhances the flavors before enjoying.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Serving Tip: For an extra touch, serve reheated slices with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of cream to bring back that original brunch delight!
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this dish to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free bread to enjoy this dish without compromising on flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk and a dairy-free cream substitute for a lighter version that’s equally delicious.
- Added Spice: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warming twist that enhances the warmth of cinnamon.
- Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a vibrant and fruity explosion of flavors. This will elevate the taste and aesthetic appeal, making brunch feel like a celebration!
- Nutty Crunch: Top with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts before baking for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Sweet Swaps: Change out sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar to add a different layer of sweetness to the custard.
- Chocolate Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top layer before baking for a decadent dessert-style take on this classic.
- Heat It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the egg mixture for a surprising kick that pleases the adventurous palate.
With these variations, you can tailor your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast to make it uniquely your own! If you’re still looking for more mouth-watering breakfast ideas, check out my overnight oats or explore the joy of my classic banana pancakes.
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely use fresh, ripe strawberries! Look for berries that are vibrant red with no dark spots or mushy areas. This ensures your dish will be bursting with natural sweetness and flavor.
How do I store leftovers from the Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast?
To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they're fully cooled before sealing to prevent excess moisture from spoiling the leftovers.
Can I freeze Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast?
Yes! To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
What should I do if my French toast is too soggy?
If you find that your Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast is too soggy, try reducing the soaking time. If you're making it ahead, you might want to bake it for a shorter time before storing it in the fridge. Another tip is to ensure the bread is somewhat stale; this helps it absorb less custard while still remaining deliciously moist.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
Since this recipe includes milk and cream, it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. You can substitute dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
I recommend using challah or brioche bread for the best results due to their soft, rich texture, which soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. However, you can get creative with ciabatta or whole wheat bread; just adjust your baking time as necessary!
Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 4 slices Challah or Brioche Bread soft texture and sweetness
- 2 cups Strawberries sliced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream adds richness
- 1 cup Milk balances richness
- 0.5 cup Sugar to taste
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract infuses flavor
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon adds spice
- 4 large Eggs creates custard base
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- In your greased baking dish, arrange the slices of bread in a single layer and layer the sliced strawberries on top.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread and strawberries, ensuring each slice is coated.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Leave a Reply