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Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

strawberry cream cheese french toast bake - Tasty
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Make this rich and creamy strawberry cream cheese French toast bake for a memorable weekend breakfast or brunch. This make-ahead casserole is easy to assemble and serves a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (13-16 ounces) thick-cut brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for custard)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
  2. Scatter the cubed cream cheese pieces over the first layer of bread. Top with half of the sliced strawberries.
  3. Place the remaining bread cubes over the cream cheese and strawberries. Top with the remaining strawberries.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/4 cup maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest until fully combined. This is your custard.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and fruit layers, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak completely.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
  9. Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with extra maple syrup.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use day-old bread. If your bread is very fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes before assembling.
  • If you prefer a glaze, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a splash of milk, then drizzle over the baked casserole.
  • This recipe is excellent for making ahead; prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy weekend breakfast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/strawberry-cream-cheese-french-toast-bake/