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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking canvas by generously coating a 9×13-inch dish with a protective layer of butter or nonstick spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Warm the oven to 350°F and position the rack in the center.
- Distribute the crumble topping evenly across the casserole’s surface, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
- 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.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- 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