Go Back
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread - 8 oz cream cheese - 2 cups fresh strawberries The main ingredients set the stage for this dish. I love using challah or brioche bread. They are soft and sweet. This makes the bake rich and fluffy. Cream cheese adds a smooth texture. It melts beautifully and gives that cheesecake flavor. Fresh strawberries bring a burst of color and taste. They add juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese. - Powdered sugar - Vanilla extract - Large eggs Next, we have the extra ingredients. Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese mix. It gives a light touch without being too heavy. Vanilla extract adds a warm, inviting flavor. It uplifts the whole dish. The large eggs help bind everything together. They create a custard-like texture that makes each bite delightful. - Ground cinnamon - Nutmeg - Granola and maple syrup Finally, we have spices and toppings. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the bake. Nutmeg gives a hint of spice that enhances the sweet flavors. Granola adds crunch on top, making each bite exciting. Maple syrup is perfect for drizzling. It adds extra sweetness and ties all the flavors together. With these ingredients, you are set for a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake. Each element plays a key role in making this dish special. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. 2. Beat cream cheese mixture In a medium bowl, take 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Use a mixer or a whisk to blend them until smooth and creamy. This step is key for a rich flavor. 1. Layering bread cubes and cream cheese Take 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place half of these cubes in the greased baking dish. Next, drop spoonfuls of your cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread. Then, sprinkle half of 2 cups of sliced strawberries on top. 2. Pouring the egg mixture and adding toppings In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread layers. Press down gently to soak the bread. Top with the remaining strawberries and sprinkle 1/4 cup of granola for crunch. 1. Covering and baking times Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden top and a set custard. 2. Tips for checking doneness To check if it’s done, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake! To make the best Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake, focus on even soaking. Start by mixing the egg mixture well. Pour it over the bread cubes gently. Press down lightly to help the bread soak up the mixture. For a golden top, bake covered for the first part. This keeps moisture in. Removing the cover for the last few minutes allows the top to brown nicely. Keep an eye on it. You want it golden, not burnt. Serve your bake warm. Drizzle it with maple syrup for sweet flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also add fresh fruit or whipped cream. This makes the dish look and taste amazing. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries work great. Use a 9x13 inch baking dish for best results. This size holds all the layers well. A glass or ceramic dish works nicely. For mixing, use a large bowl for the egg mixture. A hand mixer helps beat the cream cheese smoothly. This makes it easier to blend with the sugar and vanilla. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in this bake. Try blueberries or raspberries for a new twist. Each fruit adds a unique taste and color. You can also switch the cream cheese. Mascarpone gives a lighter flavor. It melts well and adds a creamy touch. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. It works well in this bake. You could also use croissants. They add a flaky texture and buttery taste. Other pastries like brioche or danish can also work wonders. Get creative with your toppings! Flavored syrups like strawberry or caramel can elevate the dish. Nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, add crunch. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips for a sweet touch. These add-ins make every bite exciting! To store your Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake, let it cool first. Cut it into slices and place them in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, keep it covered. To reheat your bake, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the texture nice. You can also use the microwave. Heat each slice for about 20-30 seconds. If the edges get too soft, the oven is the better choice. You can freeze this bake if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move the slices to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. This will help keep the taste and texture great. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. Assemble it and cover it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it right before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well and saves you time. What can I substitute for cream cheese? You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta as a swap for cream cheese. Both will add a creamy texture and taste. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. How can I ensure the middle is cooked through? To check if the middle is cooked, insert a knife in the center. It should come out clean when done. If it’s not set, return it to the oven. Bake for a few more minutes and check again. What should I do if the bake is soggy? If your bake is soggy, it may need more time in the oven. Cover it with foil to prevent burning. Check it every five minutes until it firms up. Can I use almond milk or other milk substitutes? Yes, almond milk works well in this recipe. You can also use oat milk or soy milk for a different flavor. Just ensure they are unsweetened for the best taste. Is there a vegan version of this recipe? You can make a vegan version using tofu for the cream cheese. Blend firm tofu with a bit of lemon juice for creaminess. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to hold it together. This blog post covers how to create a delicious baked French toast with simple ingredients. We discussed the key ingredients like challah bread and cream cheese, and explored helpful tips for baking. I shared ways to vary the recipe with different fruits and toppings, as well as how to store and reheat leftovers. With these steps, you can enjoy a tasty treat any day of the week. Remember to have fun and get creative in the kitchen!

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake

Indulge in the delightful taste of Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake! This easy recipe combines layers of fluffy bread, creamy cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries for a breakfast treat that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in just one hour, it's a great way to impress your family or guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and savor every bite of this delicious brunch idea!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granola (for topping)

Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

      In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

        Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.

          Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries on top.

            Add the remaining bread cubes on top and pour the egg mixture evenly over everything. Press down gently to ensure the bread is soaked with the egg mixture.

              Top with the remaining strawberries and sprinkle granola evenly across the top for added texture.

                Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.

                  Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                      - Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!