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Easy Baked Strawberry French Toast Casserole

easy baked strawberry french toast casserole - featured image
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A quick and comforting baked French toast casserole bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for busy mornings or cozy brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably thick-cut brioche or challah)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (or thawed frozen strawberries, drained)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (30 g) (for brushing top)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional, for serving)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 6 cups of day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries and set aside. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.
  3. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Scatter half of the sliced strawberries on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and strawberries, layering evenly.
  4. Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and strawberries. Gently press down the bread cubes with a spatula to help soak up the custard, but don’t mash.
  5. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate and soak overnight for best results, or let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, brush the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter to get a golden crust.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle maple syrup or honey if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Soaking overnight yields the best custardy texture. Brush melted butter on top before baking for a golden crust. If top browns too fast, tent with foil or lower oven temperature. Frozen strawberries must be thawed and drained well. Optional toppings include chopped nuts or powdered sugar. Dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast, strawberry casserole, easy breakfast, brunch recipe, strawberry French toast, baked breakfast casserole

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