![Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake a hit. Each one plays a key role in bringing that creamy, fruity flavor to life. - 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup sour cream - 3 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) - Whipped cream (for serving) Using brioche bread gives the dish a soft and rich base. Cream cheese adds that cheesecake flavor we love. Granulated sugar and sour cream create a sweet, creamy mixture. Eggs and whole milk bind everything together and add fluffiness. Don’t forget the vanilla and cinnamon for added warmth. Finally, fresh strawberries bring bright, juicy bites. For a complete guide, check the [Full Recipe]. - Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to stop sticking. - Making the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. - Incorporating the Wet Ingredients: Add 3 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined. - Assembling the French Toast Bake: Place your cubed brioche bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are soaked. - Adding the Strawberries: Gently fold in 2 cups of sliced strawberries. Ensure they are spread evenly, adding sweet bursts of flavor to the dish. - Resting and Baking the Dish: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. To deepen the flavor, you can refrigerate it overnight. Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes, then remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps! Choosing the Right Bread I love using brioche bread for this dish. Its soft texture makes it perfect for soaking up the creamy mix. You can also use challah or a sturdy white bread. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best taste. Ensuring Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture To get a smooth cream cheese mixture, let the cream cheese sit out before you start. It should be soft, not cold. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend it until there are no lumps. This step is key for a creamy texture. Letting It Rest for Flavor Enhancement Resting the mixture is crucial. After you assemble everything, cover it and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This lets the bread soak up all the flavors. For a richer taste, refrigerate it overnight. Ideal Toppings and Garnishes When serving, top each piece with whipped cream. Add some fresh strawberries for color and taste. A dusting of powdered sugar also makes it look fancy. You can even add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want extra sweetness. Pairing with Beverages This dish pairs well with coffee or a light tea. You can also serve it with a glass of fresh orange juice. The bright flavor of the juice complements the richness of the bake. For a special touch, consider a mimosa for brunch. If you want the full experience, check out the [Full Recipe]. It’s packed with all the details you need to make this dish a hit! {{image_4}} You can have fun with different fruits in this dish. Blueberries and raspberries work great too! They add a nice tartness that complements the sweet cream cheese. Try mixing in chopped bananas for a new twist. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Chocolate chips can bring a sweet surprise in every bite. Just sprinkle them in with the strawberries. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well. For a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese. Almond or coconut milk can replace whole milk easily. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake . To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps keep the moisture in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the covered dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it up without drying it out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about one to two minutes. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Cut it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy again, take out a piece and place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. If you're in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave. Just be sure to do it on a low setting to keep the texture nice. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the dish the night before. Cover it and place it in the fridge. Letting it sit overnight helps the bread soak up the flavors. The next morning, just bake it as usual. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both options will give a creamy texture. However, the flavor will change a bit. Try to choose a rich option for the best taste. How do I know when it's done baking? Look for a golden brown top. The center should be firm, not jiggly. You can also insert a knife in the middle. If it comes out clean, the bake is ready. What to do if it’s too soggy? If your French toast bake is too soggy, it might have soaked too long. You can bake it a bit longer. Cover it loosely with foil to avoid burning the top. How to fix burnt edges? If the edges burn, cover them with foil. This will keep them from getting worse. If the center is still not set, keep baking until it firms up. This French toast bake uses simple ingredients like brioche, cream cheese, and strawberries. You learned each step to prepare, assemble, and bake this delicious dish. We also explored tips for success, tasty variations, and storage options. Enjoy this recipe any time, and don't shy away from experimenting with flavors. Bake it for breakfast or brunch, and savor the sweet, creamy delight. With these easy steps, you will impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!](https://joymealplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/d3f26ead-c14c-48e2-ba51-186e07c440ec-300x300.webp)
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake
Indulge in a delicious breakfast with this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake! Perfectly chewy brioche bread is soaked in a creamy custard made with cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and a hint of cinnamon. This delightful dish is easy to make and perfect for sharing. Ready in just over an hour, it's topped with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch.