Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm, baked French toast filling your kitchen, perfectly golden and topped with luscious strawberries. This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake is more than just a breakfast—it’s an experience. Perfect for a cozy weekend morning, a festive holiday brunch, or even a special treat for family gatherings, this recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into something extraordinary.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from a love of classic desserts and breakfast favorites. Cheesecake and French toast have always been indulgent treats on their own, but combining them creates a harmonious blend of creamy, fruity, and custardy goodness. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or treat yourself to a decadent morning, this strawberry-studded French toast bake is guaranteed to delight.
Ingredients
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1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Optional: additional fresh strawberries for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by preparing the rich, creamy filling that will give this French toast bake its signature cheesecake flavor. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture becomes completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This step is crucial because a smooth cream cheese filling will swirl beautifully through the bread layers and melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of cheesecake-like richness. Once mixed, set the cream cheese mixture aside while you prepare the bread and custard.
Assemble the French Toast Base
Next, prepare your baking dish. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. Begin assembling the base by spreading half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Make sure the cubes are laid in a single layer for even custard absorption.
Once the bread is arranged, add half of the cream cheese mixture in dollops across the bread. Using a butter knife or small spatula, gently swirl the cream cheese into the bread cubes, being careful not to overmix. The swirls should remain distinct, creating pockets of creamy cheesecake flavor throughout. Then, sprinkle half of the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the top. These berries will release some juice as they bake, infusing the French toast with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Repeat this process with the remaining bread cubes, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries, layering carefully to ensure that every bite has a perfect balance of bread, creamy filling, and fruit.
Mix the Custard
In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the custard is smooth and slightly frothy, with no streaks of egg remaining. The custard is what transforms the bread into a rich, custardy French toast, so thorough mixing is essential. Once ready, pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, cream cheese, and strawberries. Press down gently on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands to ensure they soak up the custard fully, but avoid pressing too hard, which can compress the layers.
Chill for Best Results
For the best texture and flavor, cover the assembled French toast bake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight chilling is even better, as it allows the bread to absorb the custard completely, resulting in a creamy, custard-rich interior. This step is key for creating the soft, indulgent texture that makes this dish stand out.
Bake the French Toast
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake the French toast for 25 minutes to allow the custard to set evenly without over-browning the top. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is fully cooked. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out mostly clean with only a hint of custard clinging to it.
Prepare the Strawberry Glaze
While the French toast bake cools slightly, prepare a simple strawberry glaze to enhance flavor and presentation. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and lemon juice, stirring until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to reach a pourable consistency. This glaze adds a bright, sweet-tart finish that complements the creamy custard and fresh strawberries beautifully.
Serve and Garnish
Finally, drizzle the strawberry glaze generously over the baked French toast. Top with additional fresh strawberries if desired for extra color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cream cheese swirls, custardy bread, and fresh strawberries to shine. This indulgent dish is perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a weekend treat, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake
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Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale brioche or challah absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
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Chill Overnight: For maximum flavor and custard absorption, let the dish sit in the refrigerator overnight.
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Fresh Strawberries Only: Avoid frozen berries as they can release too much liquid and make the bake soggy.
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Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the French toast bake the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
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Optional Toppings: A sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the dish further.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake combines the best of dessert and breakfast into one irresistible dish. Each bite delivers a balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. The custard-soaked bread melts in your mouth while the cream cheese provides a rich tang that perfectly complements the fresh strawberries.
It’s versatile, too. You can swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries to suit the season or your family’s preferences. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for brunches, holidays, or even birthday breakfasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this French toast bake warm, either straight from the oven or slightly cooled. Pair it with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness. A side of fresh fruit or a small dollop of whipped cream makes it a complete brunch-worthy dish.
For holiday gatherings or special occasions, present it on a decorative platter with extra fresh strawberries for a visually stunning centerpiece. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, retaining most of the creamy texture.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This bake can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 1 month, and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
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Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this French toast bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best features of the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or special gatherings. For optimal results, assemble the French toast bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Chilling allows the custard to fully soak into the bread cubes, giving each bite a rich, creamy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the wrap, cover with foil, and bake according to the recipe instructions. This method not only saves time in the morning but also enhances the overall flavor, making the strawberries, cream cheese, and custard blend even more harmonious.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While brioche and challah are ideal due to their soft, slightly sweet texture and ability to absorb custard without falling apart, other types of bread can work too. For example, thick-cut French baguette, Texas toast, or even a hearty sandwich loaf can be used. Keep in mind that very soft sandwich bread may become too mushy when soaked, while denser bread will hold its shape better and create more defined layers. Using day-old bread is highly recommended because it soaks up the custard more evenly and prevents the bake from becoming overly soggy. Experimenting with different breads can subtly change the flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the dish to your preference.
3. How do I prevent the bake from being soggy?
Preventing sogginess comes down to two key steps: custard distribution and baking technique. Make sure the egg and milk custard is poured evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese mixture. Gently press the bread cubes down so they absorb the liquid, but don’t over-soak them. During baking, covering the dish with foil for the first portion of the baking time helps the custard cook evenly. Removing the foil midway allows the top to become golden and slightly crisp, giving a perfect balance of soft interior and lightly caramelized exterior. Proper chilling and careful baking are the secrets to achieving a custardy yet firm French toast bake.
4. Can I substitute cream cheese with something lighter?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter option, mascarpone cheese works beautifully and still provides a creamy, slightly tangy layer. You can also use a mixture of ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, though the flavor will be milder. Keep in mind that different substitutes may slightly change the texture and richness of the bake, but they will still maintain the dessert-like quality that makes this French toast bake so indulgent. Experiment with these alternatives to find the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor for your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake—it transforms a simple morning into a special occasion. The creamy, sweet, and fruity layers come together in a way that’s comforting yet indulgent, making it ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or simply a luxurious weekend breakfast.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying a new recipe for the first time, this bake is straightforward to prepare, visually stunning, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. Serve it, share it, and enjoy the smiles it brings around the table.
With the combination of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and custard-soaked bread, this recipe isn’t just French toast—it’s a celebration of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of warm, baked French toast filling your kitchen, perfectly golden and topped with luscious strawberries. This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake transforms an ordinary breakfast into a decadent treat, perfect for weekend mornings, festive holiday brunches, or special family gatherings. Combining creamy cheesecake swirls, custard-soaked bread, and fresh strawberries, it’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients
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1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Optional: additional fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and gently swirl with a knife. Top with half of the sliced strawberries. Repeat with the remaining bread, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and cream cheese mixture. Press down gently on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
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Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for best results.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
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While the French toast bake cools slightly, prepare the strawberry glaze by combining powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth, adding water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
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Drizzle the glaze over the baked French toast and garnish with fresh strawberries. Serve warm.
Notes
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Use day-old brioche or challah for best custard absorption.
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Fresh strawberries are recommended to avoid excess liquid from frozen berries.
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Overnight chilling enhances flavor and texture.
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Optional toppings: whipped cream or toasted almonds for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
