Strawberry French Toast Bake is the perfect comforting meal for busy weeknights! This dish combines tender bread, juicy strawberries, and rich custard for a flavor-packed breakfast that the whole family will love. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe when you need something quick, filling, and delicious!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Strawberry French Toast Bake
- How to Make Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Tips for Making Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Reheating Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Strawberry French Toast Bake related recipes next!
- Classic French Toast Recipe
- Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Overnight French Toast Casserole
- French Toast Sticks
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Brunch or Breakfast. This Strawberry French Toast Bake is a showstopper for any brunch table, combining sweet strawberries with fluffy, custard-soaked bread in one dish.
- Easy to Prepare. Simply mix ingredients the night before, and in the morning, all you have to do is bake. This makes it ideal for lazy weekend mornings with minimal effort.
- Versatile & Customizable. Feel free to swap out strawberries for your favorite berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, or add nuts and spices to make it your own!
Ingredients for Strawberry French Toast Bake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread: Use a thick, hearty bread like brioche or challah for the best texture.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs create the custardy base for the dish.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use any milk substitute if needed.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides sweet, aromatic flavor; use pure vanilla for the best results.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the custard mixture.
- Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show – use ripe, sweet strawberries for optimal flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the overall flavor profile.
- Butter: To grease the baking dish for an easy release of the French toast bake.
How to Make Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Layer the bread cubes in the greased baking dish and sprinkle the fresh strawberries on top.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
- When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serve warm, garnished with maple syrup and additional strawberries if desired.
Tips for Making Strawberry French Toast Bake
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, yielding a creamier bake.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add lemon zest or nutmeg to the custard for extra flavor complexity!
- Check for Doneness: The center should be firm and no longer jiggly; check with a toothpick if needed.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the French toast bake and follow the instructions up to the refrigerating step. After mixing the bread and custard, cover and let it chill overnight.
- In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge and bake immediately, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Freezing Strawberry French Toast Bake
- After baking and cooling, cut the French toast bake into individual portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Strawberry French Toast Bake
- To reheat, place the desired portion on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for about 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh whipped cream.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
- Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they may release more moisture, so thaw and drain them before adding to the mix.
How do I know when the French toast bake is done?
It should be golden brown on top and firm in the center; a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
You can use substitutes such as flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, but results may differ slightly in texture.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch gatherings?
Absolutely! It serves a crowd and is perfect for any brunch occasion.
