Romantic Berry & Cream Baked French Toast
Start your day with a touch of romance! This baked French toast features cubes of sturdy bread layered with creamy cheese and fresh strawberries, soaked in a rich egg custard, and baked until golden. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weekend brunch.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) loaf sturdy bread (like brioche, challah, or sourdough), cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (full-fat or 1/3 less fat), cubed
- 1 pound fresh strawberries diced and divided
- 12 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 0.33 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly mist a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Arrange about half of your cubed bread evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Scatter the cream cheese cubes and half of the diced strawberries over the bread layer. Then, cover everything with the remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Carefully pour this delicious egg mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread gets a good soak!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, let it soak overnight. This helps create that amazing, bread-pudding texture.
- When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the baking dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center feels set and firm.
- Serve this delightful French toast bake immediately. Sprinkle with the rest of your fresh diced strawberries and a light dusting of confectioners' sugar, if you like a touch more sweetness!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 460
Total Carbs: 48g
Net Carbs: 42g
Fats: 27g
Protein: 20g
Calories: 460
Total Carbs: 48g
Net Carbs: 42g
Fats: 27g
Protein: 20g
