Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Strawberry French Toast Casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
- Additional fresh strawberries for serving
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer bread and strawberries: Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Top with half the sliced strawberries. Repeat with remaining bread cubes and strawberries.
- Prepare custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour custard evenly over bread and strawberries, pressing down gently to ensure even soaking.
- Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in almonds if desired.
- Assemble casserole: Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Cover dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor development and texture.
- Bake covered: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator as oven preheats. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes.
- Finish baking: Uncover casserole and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and center is set.
- Rest and finish: Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup and fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Make sure to use stale bread for better texture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked in the morning.
- Feel free to add other fruits or nuts as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 210mg