Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is like a sweet morning hug that wraps you in warmth and joy. Imagine the aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with creamy custard as it bakes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent. cake decorations with strawberries This dish isn’t just breakfast; it’s a memory in the making, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or festive brunches where everyone gathers around the table, forks ready and smiles wide. side dish like pasta salad.
There’s something magical about this casserole that transports me back to childhood summers spent at my grandmother’s house. We would sit on the porch with plates piled high, laughing and sharing stories over every sweet bite. Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is not only delicious but also brings people together, making it the ideal dish for any occasion where love and laughter are on the menu. For more inspiration, check out this Angel Food Cake French Toast recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful casserole combines simplicity with indulgence, making breakfast prep a breeze.
- Its vibrant layers of strawberries and cream create a feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions, this dish will impress your friends and family while being versatile enough to adapt to your favorite fruits.
Ingredients for Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Stale Bread: Use day-old brioche or challah for a rich texture that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries that burst with flavor; they’ll add freshness and sweetness to every bite.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for creating a rich custard base that binds everything together beautifully.
- Whole Milk: Opt for whole milk to ensure creaminess; it elevates the dish’s overall flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, balancing the tartness of strawberries wonderfully.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavors, giving your casserole that extra touch of warmth.
- Cinnamon: A dash of ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, awakening your taste buds in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a medium-sized baking dish (around 9×13 inches), then spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Slice That Bread
Cut your stale bread into cubes—about one-inch pieces should do. Toss them into your prepared baking dish, creating an even layer at the bottom.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined. This creamy mixture will soak into your bread cubes like they’re taking a luxurious bath.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Gently fold in half of your sliced strawberries into the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread cubes. Ensure each piece is well coated—everyone deserves a bit of fruitiness in their life!
Step 5: Soak It Up
Let this beauty sit for about 15 minutes so that the bread can absorb all those decadent flavors. If you’re feeling fancy (or just too impatient), you can cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
Step 6: Bake It
Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed up. When you take it out, let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with maple syrup or serve with whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Transfer to plates and enjoy this delightful blend of flavors as you gather around the table with loved ones!
You Must Know
- This Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat that transforms your morning routine.
- It’s easy to prepare, and the vibrant flavors will leave everyone at the table smiling.
- Perfect for holiday brunches or lazy Sundays, it’ll be a hit with family and friends.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the casserole the night before. Layer the bread and strawberry mixture, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it until golden brown, while whipping up some whipped cream to serve on top. strawberry cheesecake bars Efficiency leads to perfection!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or bananas based on your preference. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for an extra flavor kick. Customize this dish to your heart’s delight!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes to retain its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, use stale bread as it absorbs more custard without becoming soggy.
- Let the casserole sit before baking for even cooking.
- Always top with fresh strawberries right before serving for a vibrant touch!
Sometimes, I whip this up for brunch with friends—watching their faces light up as they taste it never gets old! It’s become my secret weapon for impressing guests effortlessly.
FAQs:
What is Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole?
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines layers of bread, fresh strawberries, and a creamy custard mixture. This casserole is baked until golden brown and offers a sweet, fruity flavor. blueberry muffins for brunch Perfect for brunch or special occasions, it can be prepared the night before for an easy morning meal. The combination of strawberries and cream creates a deliciously indulgent experience that everyone will love.
How do I make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
To make Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole ahead of time, assemble the ingredients in a baking dish as instructed in the recipe. Instead of baking it immediately, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake according to your recipe’s instructions. This method allows the bread to soak up all the flavors overnight for a richer taste.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole. Just ensure you thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy. While fresh strawberries are ideal for their vibrant flavor and texture, frozen options work well in a pinch. Adjust sugar levels if necessary since frozen fruit can sometimes be sweeter.
What can I serve with Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole?
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with whipped cream or maple syrup for added sweetness. Fresh mint leaves also enhance its presentation and flavor. For a balanced meal, add some crispy bacon or sausage on the side to complement the sweetness of the casserole.
Conclusion for Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole:
In summary, Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is an easy yet indulgent breakfast option perfect for gatherings or family meals. Preparing it ahead of time allows you to enjoy more time with loved ones while still serving a delicious dish. Experimenting with fresh or frozen strawberries provides flexibility based on what’s available in your kitchen. Enjoy this delightful treat as part of your breakfast repertoire!
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Strawberries & Cream French Toast Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast dish that transforms your mornings into a sweet celebration. Layers of rich custard-soaked bread are combined with fresh strawberries, creating a comforting meal perfect for gatherings or lazy weekends. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this casserole bakes to golden perfection and is best served warm with maple syrup or whipped cream, making it an instant favorite for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8 cups stale brioche or challah bread (cubed)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cube the stale bread and layer it evenly in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Gently fold half of the sliced strawberries into the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Let the casserole sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the custard; for best results, refrigerate overnight.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffed. Allow cooling slightly before serving with maple syrup or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: Use day-old bread for optimal texture as it absorbs more custard without becoming soggy. Customize by substituting strawberries with blueberries or bananas if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or oven.
