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Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

strawberry cream cheese french toast bake - featured image
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A luscious and creamy French toast bake featuring brioche, fresh strawberries, and a smooth cream cheese custard, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche bread (about 12 ounces / 340 grams), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk; almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing baking dish)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting before serving)

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche into 1-inch cubes and slice strawberries. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; mix well.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, remaining sugar (1/2 cup or 100 grams), salt, remaining vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), and remaining cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon) until smooth. Optionally strain custard for extra silkiness.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer half the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the bread, then scatter half the sliced strawberries on top. Repeat layers with remaining bread, cream cheese, and strawberries.
  5. Pour custard evenly over the layers, pressing gently with a spatula to help bread soak.
  6. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for best custard absorption.
  7. 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 but slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Notes

[‘Use day-old brioche for best custard absorption and texture.’, ‘Soaking overnight yields the creamiest results; at least 30 minutes is necessary.’, ‘Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free layer.’, ‘Avoid overbaking to prevent rubbery custard texture.’, ‘Optional variations include using mixed berries, gluten-free bread, dairy-free substitutes, or adding chocolate chips or toasted pecans.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, strawberry, cream cheese, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, creamy, brioche

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