Description
This Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for special occasions. Made with layers of creamy cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and sweet maple syrup, then baked to golden perfection, it’s topped with a homemade strawberry sauce for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing treat. Prepared the night before, this casserole makes mornings stress-free!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 12 slices home-style white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cold cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- Evenly distribute cream cheese cubes over the bread.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of sliced strawberries over the cream cheese.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- Pour half-and-half into a blender and pulse briefly.
- Add eggs and maple syrup to the blender, blending until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese layers.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Remove from the fridge 45 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Sauce
- In a small saucepan, mix sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add sliced strawberries and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in butter until smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the casserole hot with strawberry sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
