Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe for Perfect Brunch Indulgence

Breakfast dreams come alive with this strawberry french toast casserole that promises morning magic.

Sweet berries nestle between soft bread layers, creating a symphony of flavors.

Creamy custard binds each delectable bite into a comforting masterpiece.

Weekend brunch suddenly feels more special with this delightful dish.

Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen.

Home cooks will adore how simple yet impressive this casserole becomes.

Who can resist a breakfast that looks like dessert and tastes like pure love?

Let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Directions for Making Strawberry French Toast Casserole from Scratch

Step 1: Create Delicious Layer Base

Grab a baking dish and coat it with nonstick spray or butter. Arrange bread cubes in an even layer, then scatter fresh strawberry slices on top. Repeat this process to create a beautiful double-layered foundation.

• Bread cubes
• Fresh strawberries
• Butter or nonstick spray

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Custard

In a large mixing bowl, blend eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated. Gently pour this luscious mixture over the bread and strawberry layers, softly pressing bread to help it soak up all the deliciousness.

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Step 3: Chill and Infuse Flavors

Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight, allowing bread to absorb all the rich custard flavors.

Step 4: Craft Irresistible Crumble Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cubed butter and work mixture with fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle sliced almonds for extra crunch if desired.

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Sliced almonds (optional)

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly across the casserole. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until top turns golden and custard sets. If top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 6: Serve and Delight

Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle maple syrup, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a stunning presentation.

Best Tips to Avoid Soggy or Dry Strawberry French Toast Casserole

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Press bread cubes gently into the custard to ensure even absorption without creating a mushy texture.
• Overnight Magic: Refrigerate the casserole for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow bread to fully soak up the rich custard mixture, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Customize Toppings: Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts, or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra crunch and personalized taste.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
• Keep It Fresh: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently in the oven to maintain its delightful texture.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Strawberry French Toast Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks, preserving the delicious flavors and texture.
• Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moistness.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking periodically to avoid overheating and maintain the casserole's delicate texture.

Syrups and Sides to Serve with Strawberry French Toast Casserole

• Select a light, fruity moscato or ros champagne to complement the strawberry french toast casserole's delicate sweetness and enhance the morning meal's luxurious feel.
• Brew a vanilla or caramel-infused light roast coffee that mirrors the casserole's warm cinnamon notes and provides a smooth, creamy accompaniment without overpowering the dish's delicate flavors.
• Craft a strawberry-banana smoothie with Greek yogurt to echo the casserole's fruit profile and add a refreshing, protein-rich element that balances the rich, custardy breakfast centerpiece.
• Sprinkle additional toasted almonds or candied pecans alongside the dish to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the casserole's texture and deepens its flavor complexity.

Change Up Strawberry French Toast Casserole with These Flavors

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use gluten-free flour for the crumble topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or silken tofu, use coconut milk instead of dairy, and replace butter with coconut oil. Choose plant-based bread and use maple syrup for sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use unsweetened almond milk, and reduce the amount of added sugars. Top with fresh berries for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream, coconut oil instead of butter, and choose a dairy-free bread option. Keep the flavor profile intact while eliminating dairy products.

Strawberry French Toast Casserole Made for Brunch Tables

• Assemble the dish the night before, ensuring zero morning stress and maximum flavor development while you sleep peacefully.
• Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or special occasions where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Swap strawberries for other seasonal fruits, adjust nuts, or experiment with different bread types to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Simply scoop and serve with minimal plating effort, making it an ideal choice for relaxed, laid-back meal experiences.

What to Buy for Strawberry French Toast Casserole Prep

Main Ingredients:

Bread Cubes: Soft, day-old bread provides the perfect base for soaking up the rich custard. Challah or brioche work best for a luxurious texture.

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add natural sweetness and bright color to the casserole. Choose bright red, firm berries with no soft spots.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy components that create a smooth, creamy custard foundation. Whole milk ensures extra richness.
• Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Sweet flavor enhancers that complement the strawberries and bread. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor.
• Cinnamon, Salt: Warm spice and flavor balancer that adds depth to the overall dish.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Dry ingredients that create a crispy, sweet topping with warm spice notes.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crumble mixture. Cold butter works best for a crumbly texture.
• Sliced Almonds: Optional crunchy addition that provides extra texture and nutty flavor. Toasting almonds beforehand intensifies their taste.

Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent strawberry French toast casserole brings comfort and sweetness to weekend brunches, blending rich custard with juicy berries. Crispy edges and creamy center promise a delightful breakfast that delivers pure morning happiness for you.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (14 ounces / 400 grams) brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) whole milk

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Toppings:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (55 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup (75 grams) sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)

Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh strawberries
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking canvas by generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with a protective layer of butter or nonstick spray.
2. Create a delectable foundation by arranging a layer of bread cubes across the dish, then artfully distribute sliced strawberries on top. Repeat the layering process to build a luscious strawberry-studded base.
3. Craft a silky custard by whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
4. Gently cascade the custard over the bread and strawberry layers, using gentle pressure to ensure each bread cube becomes thoroughly saturated with the creamy mixture.
5. Seal the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then allow it to rest and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight.
6. Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then incorporate cubed butter using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles rustic, coarse crumbs. Fold in sliced almonds for added texture.
7. Warm the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center.
8. Distribute the crumble topping evenly across the casserole’s surface, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
9. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for a rich golden hue and a set custard. If the top browns too quickly, drape with foil for protection.
10. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
11. Elevate the presentation by dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling maple syrup, and garnishing with additional fresh strawberries.

Notes

• Soak bread thoroughly to ensure maximum custard absorption, creating a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Refrigerating overnight allows flavors to meld and bread to fully soak up the delicious custard, transforming a good dish into an extraordinary breakfast experience.
• Swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same decadent taste and fluffy consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting sugar by half for a lighter, less caloric breakfast option that still delivers incredible flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 245 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg