
Baked Strawberry French Toast: A Deliciously Easy Brunch Recipe
French toast is a classic breakfast dish enjoyed worldwide. However, the traditional method of dipping and frying each slice can be time-consuming, especially when feeding a crowd. This baked strawberry French toast recipe offers a convenient and equally delicious alternative. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of strawberries and warm, custardy bread – this recipe makes that a reality with minimal effort.
This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into a vibrant and crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece. The strawberries add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, while the baking process ensures that every slice is perfectly cooked, boasting a golden-brown top and a soft, custardy interior. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a special treat for your loved ones.
## Why Bake French Toast?
Baking French toast offers several advantages over the traditional stovetop method:
* **Convenience:** Simply assemble the ingredients in a baking dish, let it soak, and bake. No standing over a hot stove flipping individual slices.
* **Efficiency:** Bake a large batch at once, ideal for serving multiple people.
* **Even Cooking:** The oven provides consistent heat, resulting in evenly cooked French toast.
* **Hands-off Time:** Once in the oven, you have time to prepare other dishes, set the table, or simply relax.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This dish can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning, saving you even more time.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This baked strawberry French toast recipe requires simple, readily available ingredients:
* **Bread:** 1 loaf of challah, brioche, or French bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch thick slices. Challah and brioche are excellent choices due to their rich flavor and ability to absorb the custard well. Stale bread works best, as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
* **Strawberries:** 1 pound, hulled and sliced. Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for that burst of flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent a soggy result.
* **Eggs:** 6 large. The eggs are the base of the custard and provide structure to the French toast.
* **Milk:** 2 cups. Whole milk or 2% milk work best for a rich, creamy texture. You can also use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup. Adds richness and decadence to the custard. You can substitute with more milk for a lighter version.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Adds sweetness to the custard and helps create a golden-brown crust.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a warm, comforting spice.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, melted. Used to grease the baking dish and add flavor.
* **Powdered Sugar:** For dusting (optional).
* **Maple Syrup:** For serving (optional).
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
* **Large Bowl:** For whisking together the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For thoroughly combining the custard ingredients.
* **Knife:** For slicing the bread and strawberries.
* **Cutting Board:** For slicing the bread and strawberries.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious baked strawberry French toast:
**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This will prevent the French toast from sticking and add a subtle buttery flavor.
**Step 2: Arrange the Bread and Strawberries**
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. You may need to overlap them slightly to fit. Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the bread.
**Step 3: Prepare the Custard**
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved.
**Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Bread**
Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread and strawberries. Make sure that all the bread is saturated with the custard. Gently press down on the bread slices to ensure they are fully submerged.
**Step 5: Soak the Bread (Optional)**
For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a softer, more flavorful French toast. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the French toast may be slightly drier.
**Step 6: Bake the French Toast**
Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
**Step 7: Let it Cool Slightly**
Remove the baked French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy**
Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy your delicious baked strawberry French toast!
## Tips for Success
* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread absorbs the custard better and prevents the French toast from becoming soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread by leaving it out overnight or toasting it lightly in the oven.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish:** Arrange the bread in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
* **Soak the Bread Thoroughly:** Soaking the bread for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, allows it to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a softer, more flavorful French toast.
* **Adjust the Baking Time:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the French toast regularly and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Cool Slightly Before Serving:** Letting the French toast cool slightly before serving makes it easier to slice and serve.
## Variations and Additions
This baked strawberry French toast recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with these variations and additions:
* **Other Berries:** Substitute the strawberries with other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the custard or sprinkle them over the bread before baking.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the custard or sprinkle them over the bread before baking.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Spices:** Add other spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to the custard.
* **Cream Cheese:** Swirl cream cheese into the custard for a richer, creamier flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the French toast before serving.
* **Whipped Cream:** Serve with whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
* **Different Breads**: While challah, brioche, and French bread are excellent choices, you could also experiment with croissants, sourdough, or even cinnamon swirl bread for a different flavor profile.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding a crumble topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats before baking.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This baked strawberry French toast is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
## Serving Suggestions
Baked strawberry French toast is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Maple Syrup:** The classic pairing for French toast.
* **Fresh Berries:** A beautiful and refreshing addition.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a touch of decadence.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple and elegant garnish.
* **Fruit Compote:** A warm and flavorful topping.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** A savory side to balance the sweetness.
* **Yogurt:** A healthy and refreshing accompaniment.
* **Nutella:** For a chocolatey treat.
* **Ice Cream**: Transform this into a dessert and serve with vanilla ice cream.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* Each serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe) contains:
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 10-15g
## Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked strawberry French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different.
## Conclusion
This baked strawberry French toast recipe is a delicious, easy, and convenient way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish. With its vibrant flavors, custardy texture, and minimal effort required, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly special brunch experience!
Enjoy experimenting with different variations and toppings to create your perfect baked French toast. Happy baking!
## FAQ
**Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?**
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent a soggy result.
**Q: Can I use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk?**
A: Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
**Q: How do I know when the French toast is done?**
A: The French toast is done when it is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
**Q: Can I freeze baked French toast?**
A: While you can freeze baked French Toast, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
**Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?**
A: You can substitute heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version. You can also use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a richer flavor.
**Q: My French toast is soggy. What did I do wrong?**
A: Soggy French toast is usually caused by using fresh bread instead of stale bread, not soaking the bread long enough, or not baking it long enough. Make sure to use stale bread and soak it for at least 30 minutes. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
**Q: Can I add a crumble topping?**
A: Yes! A crumble topping adds a wonderful texture. Combine flour, oats, sugar, and cold butter, and crumble it over the French toast before baking.