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Creamy Strawberry Shortcake French Toast Bake

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A creamy and comforting french toast bake with layers of cream cheese and fresh strawberries, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. This recipe is easy to prepare ahead and bake for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and set aside to macerate.
  2. Cut day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, lightly toast cubes to dry them out.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
  4. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half the bread cubes evenly. Spoon dollops of cream cheese filling over the bread and gently swirl with a spatula. Scatter half the macerated strawberries on top.
  5. Repeat layering with remaining bread, cream cheese filling, and strawberries.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until combined.
  7. Pour custard evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and strawberries. Press down gently to help bread soak up custard.
  8. Cover baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is set. Tent with foil if top browns too fast.
  10. Let bake cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and add whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess; softened cream cheese blends best; soak overnight for best texture; tent with foil if top browns too quickly; lightly toast fresh bread if day-old is unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, french toast bake, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, creamy french toast, easy breakfast, make ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-strawberry-shortcake-french-toast-bake-easy-recipe-for-breakfast-delight/