Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake
Try this Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake recipe.
Try this Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- optional toppings:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- streusel topping:
- 6 large eggs
- whipped cream
- maple syrup
- powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 16 ounce (450 g) loaf of french bread sourdough bread, or challah (day old bread works best), cut into 1-inch cubes with the ends discarded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened (optional - leave out if preferred)
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups sliced strawberries divided
- 1 1/4 cups milk (i used almond)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional - add if you like your frenc
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cubed
- more fresh berries
- Carbohydrate 171.971412831644 g
- Cholesterol 3006.18020010787 mg
- Fat 205.018820867539 g
- Fiber 2.16044999154704 g
- Protein 90.402208344399 g
- Saturated Fat 106.976455385687 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1136g)
- Sodium 1836.87880099423 mg
- Sugar 169.810962840097 g
- Trans Fat 22.0908413882994 g
- Calories 2872 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Cut in the cubed butter with a pastry blender or two forks. Set aside in the fridge.
- Lightly grease a 9x9-inch square baking dish or 2.5 quart casserole dish.
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the pan. Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the bread and top with half of the mixed berries.
- Layer with remaining bread cubes on top.
- In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Pour evenly over bread cubes. Press the bread cubes slightly down to absorb the milk/egg mixture.
- Top evenly with remaining berries. Sprinkle the streusel topping over top. Cover pan with foil. Allow to chill in refrigerator for an hour or overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove french toast from fridge. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 23-26 minutes or until fluffy and golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm with syrup and additional toppings if desired.
Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake: A Weekend Brunch Delight
Weekends are for indulging, and what better way to start the day than with a decadent and surprisingly easy-to-make Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake? This recipe is my go-to for lazy weekend mornings when I want something special but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its preparation: the majority of the work is done the night before, leaving you with a warm, comforting breakfast waiting for you when you wake up. Forget soggy cereal or rushed toast; this bake elevates the simple pleasure of French toast to a whole new level.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly hectic period of my life, juggling a demanding job with a busy social calendar. I needed a breakfast that was both delicious and convenient, something I could prepare ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or quality. This French toast bake fit the bill perfectly. The creamy cream cheese, the sweet strawberries, and the crunchy streusel topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that are utterly irresistible. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you feel pampered, even if you’re rushing to get ready for the day. The overnight soak allows the bread to absorb the custard beautifully, resulting in a tender and moist French toast that’s far superior to anything you could whip up on the spot.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different berries, add a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or use your favorite type of bread. I often use day-old bread, as it soaks up the custard more effectively. Sourdough or challah are excellent choices, adding a lovely depth of flavor. And if you're watching your calories, you can easily adjust the recipe by using less sugar or choosing a healthier milk alternative, like almond milk, as I did. It’s amazing how a little bit of planning can result in a truly special breakfast experience. I’ve found that this dish is perfect for impressing guests, too. It's certainly impressive enough for a weekend brunch gathering, yet simple enough to prepare without stress.
Beyond the Bake: A Taste of the Weekend
The aroma alone is enough to wake you up gently on a Sunday morning. The sweet scent of strawberries mingling with the warm cinnamon and the rich buttery notes of the streusel topping – it’s almost as if the bake itself is a gentle invitation to slow down and savor the moment. It’s a feeling that transcends the simple act of eating breakfast; it’s about creating a little piece of calm and joy in the midst of a busy week. And the best way to enjoy this French toast bake? With a steaming cup of coffee, perhaps a side of crisp bacon, and the company of loved ones. It’s a ritual, a small act of self-care, a celebration of the simple things in life that make the weekend so special.
Adapting to Your Lifestyle:
This recipe works perfectly for those busy weekday mornings too. Prepare it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning while you shower and get ready. The baking time is relatively short and provides a wonderful start to any day. It’s adaptable to different dietary preferences too; you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your lifestyle, adding more fruit, switching the milk, or omitting certain elements. Its adaptability makes it a true kitchen staple.
Ingredients you might need:
For the base:
- Day-old bread (sourdough or challah work best)
- Eggs
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberries
- Softened cream cheese (optional)
For the streusel topping:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Cold, cubed butter
Optional toppings to elevate your experience:
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- More fresh berries
This Overnight Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the simple joys of life, the power of planning, and the beauty of a delicious breakfast that tastes as good as it makes you feel. So go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it.
