Description
Overnight strawberry French toast casserole made with fresh berries and rich custard. An easy make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch or holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- ⅔ cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Powdered sugar for topping
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- Maple syrup or strawberry syrup for serving
Vanilla Cream Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Layer half the brioche cubes in the dish.
- Add cream cheese cubes (if using).
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- eggs
- milk
- cream
- brown sugar
- granulated sugar
- vanilla
- cinnamon
- salt
- melted butter
- Pour evenly over the bread and gently press down so it soaks in.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The Next Morning
- Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before baking.
- Add the strawberries:
Slice 2 cups fresh strawberries and gently tuck them down into the casserole, nestling them throughout the bread. - Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes,or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
Vanilla Cream Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and drizzle-ready.
To Serve
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with the vanilla cream glaze (optional but recommended)
- Top with fresh strawberries
- Serve warm with maple syrup or strawberry syrup
Notes
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual portions
- You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance
- It can also be frozen after baking—just thaw and reheat