🍓 This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is the perfect Mother’s Day brunch centerpiece — soft, custardy bread layered with sweet cream cheese and juicy strawberries, baked until golden and slightly crisp on top.
French toast has been enjoyed for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome, where stale bread was soaked in milk and eggs before being cooked. Over time, this simple dish evolved into a beloved comfort food across Europe and North America. Today, baked French toast casseroles are especially popular for celebrations because they can be prepared ahead of time, making mornings relaxed and stress-free.
This version feels extra special thanks to pockets of creamy filling and bright spring strawberries. It’s slightly sweet, lightly tangy, and absolutely beautiful on the table — exactly what Mom deserves.
Perfect served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why you will love this recipe
• Perfect make-ahead brunch dish
• Soft and creamy inside, golden on top
• Beautiful spring colors
• Easy to prepare
• Feeds a crowd
• Ideal for Mother’s Day, Easter, birthdays, or anytime you crave something special
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 14 oz / 400 g)
- 8 oz cream cheese (225 g), softened
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (300 g), chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (480 ml)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 g)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 ml)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Topping
- powdered sugar for dusting
- maple syrup for serving
- whipped cream
- extra strawberries
- Measuring cups / spoons
- 9×13 baking dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Lemon zester (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the bread
Cut the bread into cubes about 1 inch (2–3 cm) in size. Spread half of the bread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Add the filling
Cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Sprinkle half of the cream cheese and half of the strawberries over the bread. Add remaining bread cubes on top, followed by remaining cream cheese and strawberries.
3. Make the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
4. Assemble
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers. Press gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
6. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or whipped cream if desired.
Tips for best results
• Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs more custard
• Brioche or challah provide the richest flavor
• Do not skip the resting time – it ensures soft texture
• Add lemon zest for a fresh spring twist 🍋
• Can be assembled the night before
Variations
Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Substitute strawberries with blueberries.
Chocolate Strawberry Version
Add 1/2 cup (85 g) chocolate chips.
Lighter version
Use light cream cheese and 2% milk.
Extra crunchy top
Sprinkle with 2 tbsp (25 g) coarse sugar before baking.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) for best texture.
Serving ideas for Mother’s Day brunch
Serve with:
• fresh fruit salad
• mimosas, orange prosecco spritz, or tea
• scrambled eggs
• yogurt parfaits
Serving Size
1 slice (recipe makes 9 servings)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
Nutritional Information (whole pan)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3465 kcal |
| Protein | 99 g |
| Fat | 162 g |
| Saturated Fat | 90 g |
| Carbohydrates | 405 g |
| Sugar | 180 g |
| Fiber | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 1035 mg |
| Sodium | 2790 mg |
- Values will vary slightly depending on bread type and brand of cream cheese.
- Using whole milk vs half-and-half can slightly reduce fat and calories.
- Adding extra strawberries increases fiber and reduces calorie density per serving.
- Dusting with powdered sugar or adding syrup will increase sugar content.
🍓If you make this beautiful Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake, I would love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share your photo on Pinterest so others can get inspired for Mother’s Day brunch. Your support helps this blog grow and allows me to keep creating delicious recipes for you 💗
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