Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe

“`html

If you are craving a breakfast or brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the incredible Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe. This luscious bake brings together layers of soft, egg-soaked bread wrapped around a velvety cream cheese filling, all baked to a golden perfection and finished with sweet, juicy strawberries that add a pop of freshness and color. Every bite is a delightful mix of creamy, fluffy, and fruity that makes mornings so much brighter and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients – each one plays an essential role in building up the richness, texture, and balance of this dish. Together, they transform humble staples into a show-stopping French toast bake you’ll want to make again and again.

• Butter: For greasing and adding a rich, golden crust to the bake.
• Cream cheese (250 g / 8oz, room temperature): Creates the luscious, creamy center that is both tangy and smooth.
• White sugar (1/3 cup + 3 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Sweetens the cream cheese filling, the egg mixture, and the strawberries perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor with a warm aromatic note that complements everything wonderfully.
• Eggs (total 5): Bind the filling and soak the bread for that classic French toast texture.
• Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Adds a refreshing brightness to the cream cheese mixture, balancing the sweetness.
• Milk (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp, low fat or full fat): Soaks into the bread, keeping it tender and moist during baking.
• Pinch of salt: Essential to enhance flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Sandwich bread (12 slices, crusts removed): The base of this bake; soft and fresh bread ensures the best texture.
• Brown sugar (2 tbsp, optional): Gives a slight caramelized flavor to the topping when baked.
• Butter (2 tbsp, diced, optional): Dots on top for extra richness and golden browning.
• Fresh strawberries (1 punnet, sliced): The star of the topping, adding vibrant color and juicy sweetness.

How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 180C/350F. Generously butter a loaf tin measuring about 10cm x 21cm (or 4″ x 8″). This ensures the bake won’t stick and develops beautifully crisp edges.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Then add in one egg and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy. This filling is the heart of our Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe, lending a tangy, silky contrast to the soft bread.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining four eggs, the milk, three tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will soak the bread, giving it that classic custardy texture that makes French toast so irresistible.

Step 4: Dip the Bread Slices

Quickly dip two slices of the crustless sandwich bread into the egg mixture, allowing the fresh bread to soak up just enough to be moist but not soggy. The softness of fresh bread ensures it absorbs the egg mixture quickly, which is perfect for this bake.

Step 5: Layer the First Bread Base

Place the dipped bread slices into the bottom of the buttered loaf tin, fitting them snugly and trimming if necessary to cover any gaps. Repeat this process to create three complete layers of egg-soaked bread. This creates a sturdy yet tender foundation for the cream cheese filling.

Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese Layer and More Bread

Spread the entire cream cheese filling evenly over the bread layers already in the tin. Then, top the filling with two more layers of egg-dipped bread. This layering technique makes the bake thick and delightful, with every forkful revealing that creamy surprise.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Dot the surface of the assembled bake with the diced butter, if using. Sprinkle the brown sugar across the top to create a slightly caramelized crust as it bakes. These small touches elevate the texture and flavor, giving a golden, glossy finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for around 40 minutes until the top is golden and puffed up. Keep an eye on the bake around 30 minutes; if the top is already deeply golden, loosely cover with foil and continue baking to avoid burning. This ensures the inside cooks through without the top becoming too dark.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once baked, allow the French toast bake to rest for 15 minutes in the tin. Then gently turn it out onto a cooling rack and let it rest for an additional 5 minutes. Resting lets the custard set slightly so it won’t fall apart when sliced.

Step 10: Garnish with Macerated Strawberries

Spoon the sliced strawberries tossed with 1 tablespoon sugar over the warm French toast bake right before serving. The strawberries add a juicy sweetness and vibrant color that beautifully complements the creamy, baked center.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe

Garnishes

The best way to dress this bake up is by topping it with fresh macerated strawberries, which release their natural juices and add a bright, fruity contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup also makes a lovely finishing touch. If you want some crunch, toasted nuts or granola sprinkled on top can be delightful additions.

Side Dishes

Serve this luscious French toast bake with sides like crisp bacon, sausage links, or a small bowl of Greek yogurt for a balance of savory and creamy elements. Fresh orange slices or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette make wonderful accompaniments to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, slice the bake into individual squares and arrange them on a large platter with extra strawberries and mint leaves for a stunning centerpiece. You can also layer individual servings with whipped cream in glass jars for a delightful visual experience and a handy single-serve format.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe, keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store strawberries separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat slices gently to retain that creamy, custard-like texture.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in an airtight container, freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat the bake in a preheated oven at 325F/160C for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery. Adding fresh strawberries or a drizzle of syrup after reheating revives all the flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sandwich bread is ideal due to its softness and ability to soak the egg mixture well, brioche or challah work beautifully too for an even richer and custard-like texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Butter can be swapped with dairy-free margarine. The bake will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.

How do I make sure the custard is cooked through without burning the top?

Keep an eye on the bake around 30 minutes. If the top is already golden enough, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking to allow the inside to cook evenly without over-browning the surface.

Can I prepare the bake the night before?

Definitely! Assemble the bake and cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed. This makes for a stress-free, show-stopper breakfast or brunch.

What’s the best way to slice this bake without it falling apart?

Letting the bake rest after baking is key to firming it up. Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently in a sawing motion. Serving it slightly warm also helps maintain its shape while still being soft and creamy inside.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that is effortlessly impressive yet comforting, this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Bake with Strawberries Recipe should be at the top of your list. With its creamy filling, soft layers, and fresh fruity topping, it’s a dish that will bring smiles and requests for seconds every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love!

“`

Print