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Creamy Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

overnight strawberry cream cheese french toast bake - featured image
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A creamy, custardy French toast bake layered with cream cheese and fresh strawberries, soaked overnight and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for easy, impressive breakfasts or brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10–12 thick slices brioche bread
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Maple syrup or honey for serving (optional)
  • Chopped toasted pecans or almonds for crunch (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese filling by combining softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange half of the slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
  3. Spread a generous tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each slice in the first layer.
  4. Sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Layer the remaining bread slices on top, pressing gently.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  7. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, pressing down gently to help soak the bread without flooding it.
  8. Scatter the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the custard-soaked bread.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
  10. 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 (knife inserted should come out clean). Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  11. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup or honey and nuts if desired.

Notes

Use brioche or challah bread for best texture. Overnight soaking is key for custardy texture but 4-6 hours works if short on time. If top browns too fast, tent with foil. For dairy-free, substitute milk, cream, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free bread can be used but texture will vary.

Nutrition

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

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