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Easy Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

overnight strawberry cream cheese french toast bake - featured image
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A fuss-free, delicious breakfast bake featuring layers of brioche bread, fresh strawberries, and cream cheese pockets soaked overnight in a vanilla-cinnamon custard. Perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Extra fresh strawberries or berries for garnish (optional)
  • Maple syrup on the side (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture in small spoonfuls across the bread. Sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries over this layer. Repeat with remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries to create alternating layers.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until fully combined.
  4. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and strawberries. Press down gently on the bread with a spatula to help soak up the custard thoroughly.
  5. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
  6. The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean). Tent loosely with foil if top browns too fast.
  7. Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for better custard absorption and less mushiness. Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Pour custard slowly and press bread gently to ensure even soaking. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly during baking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight french toast bake, strawberry french toast, cream cheese breakfast, easy brunch recipe, make ahead breakfast

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/easy-overnight-strawberry-cream-cheese-french-toast-bake-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/