Introduction

Imagine waking up to the sweet scent of strawberries and warm, custardy bread, gently bubbling away in the oven. This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is everything you could want for a special breakfast or brunch: creamy, fruity, and comforting, all with a golden, crispy top. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family breakfast or hosting a brunch, this dish is the perfect crowd-pleaser.

This recipe has become a weekend favorite in our home! I first made it on a whim when I had some leftover French bread and fresh strawberries about to go overripe. The result was pure bliss. The balance of creamy custard, tart strawberries, and the slight crispiness of the bread on top is absolutely unbeatable. The best part? It can be prepped the night before, making it a breeze for busy mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a must-try:

Easy Make-Ahead: Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, this casserole can be prepped the night before and simply baked fresh in the morning.
Kid-Friendly: The strawberries add natural sweetness, and the creamy custard makes it comforting and satisfying.
Rich, Fruity Flavor: The creamy custard blends perfectly with the slight tang of fresh strawberries, giving you a burst of summer flavors with each bite.

Soft and Custardy with a Crisp Top: You’ll love the custard-soaked bread that stays soft inside, while the top layer turns slightly golden and crispy for the perfect texture contrast.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including 10 minutes prep and 50 minutes baking time)
Servings: 8-10

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 340, Protein: 9g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 13g

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

Casserole:

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups): The perfect base for the custard to soak into without getting mushy.

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
6 large eggs: For richness and structure.
2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Creates the custard base.

1 cup heavy cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the custard.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish just right.
1 tsp vanilla extract: For warm, aromatic depth.

1 tsp cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle, comforting warmth.

Cream Cheese Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, decadent layer.
¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese.

½ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the creaminess.

Topping:

¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and caramelization.
2 tbsp butter, melted: Helps crisp up the topping.

Optional: Fresh strawberries, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread and Layer the Casserole

Arrange the Bread: Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is the base that’ll soak up the custard.
Add the Strawberries: Sprinkle the sliced strawberries over the bread cubes, tucking some pieces between the bread to distribute the flavor throughout.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Pour Over Bread: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and strawberries, ensuring every piece gets soaked.
Pro Tip: Press down lightly on the bread to help it absorb more of the custard.

3. Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Dot with Cream Cheese: Using a spoon, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the casserole, spreading it gently over the top layer. This creates a creamy, sweet center that contrasts beautifully with the custardy bread.

4. Add the Topping

Mix Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter.

Sprinkle Topping: Scatter the topping evenly over the casserole for a caramelized crunch when baked.

5. Cover and Chill

Refrigerate Overnight (optional): Cover the casserole tightly with foil and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. This gives the bread time to fully absorb the custard.

6. Bake the Casserole

Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C): About 20 minutes before baking.

Bake: Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. The center should be slightly wobbly but firm.
Final Touch: If desired, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve an extra-crispy top layer.

How to Serve

Once baked, this casserole can be served in a variety of ways:

With Extra Berries: Top with more fresh strawberries or mixed berries for added color and flavor.
A Drizzle of Syrup: Although sweet enough on its own, a drizzle of pure maple syrup can take this dish to another level.
Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt for added richness.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips to get the best results:

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better, keeping the casserole from becoming too mushy.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Letting the casserole sit allows the bread to soak up all the delicious custard.

Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with a slight wobble, the casserole is ready.
Try Different Berries: Mix it up by adding blueberries or raspberries.
Leftover Options: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to put your twist on this classic:

Berry Medley: Swap or mix strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Chocolate Lover’s Option: Add a handful of chocolate chips for a bit of indulgence.

Cinnamon Swirl: Use cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture and swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Nutty Variation: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds on top for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect breakfast spread, serve this casserole with:

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The slight bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with the casserole’s sweetness.
Orange Juice or Smoothies: A fruity drink is a lovely complement.

Savory Sides: Balance the sweetness with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, or a simple green salad with a tangy dressing.

Freezing and Storage

Want to make this ahead and save for later? Here’s how:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: To freeze, let the baked casserole cool completely. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat by thawing in the fridge overnight and baking at 350°F until heated through.
Reheat Tips: For single servings, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. For a crispier top, reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size allows the custard to soak evenly.

Electric Mixer or Whisk: For mixing the custard smoothly.
Fine Mesh Sieve (optional): For dusting powdered sugar on top for a picture-perfect presentation.

FAQ Section

Can I use different bread?
Absolutely! While French bread is traditional, brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread works well.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries can work; just thaw and drain them well before using.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free loaf in place of the French bread, and ensure your toppings are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a similar richness. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg mixture (1 tbsp of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp of water per egg) to get a custardy texture.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Definitely! Prepping it the night before and letting it sit in the fridge allows the custard to fully absorb into the bread, enhancing the flavor and texture. In the morning, simply bake as directed.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to retain the crispiness on top.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then portion and wrap individual servings in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to turn breakfast or brunch into a special event, without the fuss. Its blend of creamy custard, fresh strawberries, and soft, custardy bread with a slight crisp on top makes each bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy holiday morning or a relaxed weekend brunch, it’s a dish that will bring joy to any table.

Not only is this casserole a delicious way to use up day-old bread, but it’s also wonderfully versatile. Customize it to fit your tastes, substitute with berries in season, or make it your own with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Whatever your preferences, this recipe is bound to become a favorite you’ll reach for time and time again.

Make this recipe your new brunch staple, and watch it become an instant hit with family and friends. After all, there’s nothing like starting the day with something warm, comforting, and a little sweet—especially when it’s as easy as this French toast casserole!