Print

Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake

strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast bake - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy and custardy French toast bake stuffed with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, perfect for an easy and indulgent brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf thick-cut brioche or challah bread, sliced (about 12–14 slices)
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar (optional)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Hull and slice fresh strawberries. Toss with 2 tablespoons sugar if desired. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Slice the brioche loaf into thick 1-inch slices (12-14 slices).
  4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Lay half the bread slices flat in the dish.
  5. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese mixture over each slice, then add a spoonful of sliced strawberries on top.
  6. Cover with remaining bread slices, pressing lightly to sandwich the filling.
  7. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until frothy.
  8. Pour custard evenly over the assembled French toast. Press down gently to help bread absorb custard.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set.
  11. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup or honey if desired.

Notes

Use thick slices of brioche or challah for best results. Soaking overnight improves texture and flavor. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. For vegan, substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant milk, and flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, strawberry cream cheese, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, custardy French toast, stuffed French toast

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-strawberry-cream-cheese-stuffed-french-toast-bake-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-brunch/