Few dishes capture the magic of a relaxed morning quite like Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole. It’s warm, creamy, lightly sweet, and filled with pockets of juicy strawberries that burst as you dig in. This is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but comforting, elegant yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a Mother’s Day breakfast, or simply craving something special for the weekend, this casserole delivers bakery-level flavor with minimal effort.

Unlike stovetop French toast that requires constant flipping and attention, this baked version lets the oven do all the work. Cubes of bread soak up a rich vanilla-scented custard, while dollops of sweetened cream cheese melt into the layers. Fresh strawberries add brightness and balance, making every bite creamy, fruity, and perfectly soft in the center with lightly crisp edges on top.

This strawberry french toast bake is also ideal for make-ahead mornings. Assemble it the night before, let it rest in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture becomes even more luxurious. It’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite brunch casserole recipe across kitchens everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked strawberries and cream french toast casserole checks all the boxes for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch centerpiece.

It’s easy and stress-free. No standing at the stove, no flipping slices, and no rushing. Everything bakes together beautifully in one dish.

It’s crowd-friendly. One casserole serves multiple people, making it perfect for gatherings, holidays, or meal prep.

It’s customizable. Swap berries, adjust sweetness, or add toppings to suit your taste.

It feels special. Cream cheese and strawberries transform classic French toast into something that feels decadent and celebration-worthy.

Ingredients

French bread or brioche, cubed and slightly stale
Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Cream cheese, softened and cubed
Eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Unsalted butter, for greasing the dish

Instructions

Generously butter a large baking dish and evenly spread the cubed bread inside.
Scatter sliced strawberries over the bread, distributing them evenly.
Dot the casserole with small cubes of softened cream cheese.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best texture.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, golden on top, and set in the center.
Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or add toppings as desired.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The key to a truly unforgettable overnight french toast casserole is the bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, simply cube it and leave it out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven before assembling the casserole.

Using a mix of milk and cream creates a custard that’s rich without being heavy. The eggs bind everything together while the cream cheese melts into creamy ribbons throughout the bake.

Choosing the Best Strawberries

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe because they hold their shape and provide a bright, juicy contrast to the creamy custard. Look for berries that are deep red, fragrant, and firm.

If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the casserole’s texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This baked french toast with strawberries is perfect for planning ahead.

To make ahead:
Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

To store leftovers:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a low oven until heated through.

Delicious Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, there are endless ways to customize it.

Mixed Berry Version
Add blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries for a colorful twist.

Lemon Cream
Add lemon zest to the custard or cream cheese for a bright, citrusy note.

Chocolate Strawberry
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the bread before baking for a dessert-style casserole.

Nutty Crunch
Top with sliced almonds or chopped pecans before baking for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious on its own, but toppings can take it to the next level.

Serve with:

Maple syrup or strawberry syrup
Fresh whipped cream
Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast
Extra fresh strawberries on top

Pair it with crispy bacon, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread.

A Little Cultural Context

French toast casseroles became popular in American kitchens as a way to feed families efficiently while reducing food waste. Stale bread was transformed into something comforting and indulgent, proving that simple ingredients could create memorable meals. Adding strawberries and cream cheese is a modern twist that brings dessert-like charm to a classic breakfast tradition.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This strawberry french toast bake fits seamlessly into so many moments:

Holiday mornings
Baby or bridal showers
Weekend brunch with friends
Cozy family breakfasts

It looks impressive, smells incredible, and tastes even better.

Final Thoughts

Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast Casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your collection. It’s comforting, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, all while being simple enough for busy mornings. With its creamy interior, juicy strawberries, and golden baked top, it’s a dish that invites everyone to slow down and savor the moment.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this casserole is always the first dish to disappear at brunch.