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Strawberry French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a luscious and fruity breakfast dish that combines layers of dried bread cubes, creamy cream cheese, and fresh strawberries soaked in a rich egg custard. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a homemade strawberry sauce, it's a delightful treat perfect for brunch or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes active (plus overnight drying and chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Casserole

  • 12 slices bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and dried overnight on the counter
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 12 eggs
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Sauce

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole dish: Coat a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread half the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish, then scatter the cream cheese pieces evenly over the bread. Add 2 cups of strawberries over the cream cheese layer, and top with the remaining bread cubes.
  2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add half-and-half, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the assembled casserole.
  3. Chill the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard. Before baking, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Bake the casserole covered with foil for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  5. Prepare the strawberry sauce: While the casserole bakes, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly as the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and boil for 3 minutes, continuing to stir.
  6. Cook the strawberries: Stir in 2 cups of strawberries and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the berries soften and break down, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and combined.
  7. Serve: Pour the warm strawberry sauce over the baked casserole. For best flavor and easier slicing, let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

  • The bread should be dried overnight on the counter to absorb the custard better and help achieve a crisp texture when baked.
  • For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, ripe strawberries both in the casserole and the sauce.
  • Letting the casserole rest before baking and after baking improves the cohesiveness and slicing quality.
  • Nonstick spray or greasing the baking dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight drying and chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/strawberry-french-toast-casserole-recipe/