Description
A breakfast dream come true, combining buttery brioche with sweet berries and tangy cream cheese. This warm, custardy bake is filled with melted cream cheese pockets and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Perfect for holiday brunches or special weekend mornings.
Ingredients
The Base & Filling
- 1 (16-oz) loaf brioche bread, cubed
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, diced (divided)
The Rich Custard
- 12 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Garnish
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
Layer: Place half the brioche in a 9×13 dish. Top with cream cheese cubes and half the strawberries. Cover with remaining bread.
Whisk & Pour: Whisk eggs, milk, syrup, vanilla, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread.
Soak: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred).
Bake: Take out 30 mins before baking. Preheat to 350°F. Bake covered for 30 mins, then uncovered for 25–30 mins until golden and firm.
Serve: Dust with sugar and top with remaining strawberries.
Notes
The Brioche Advantage: Enriched bread absorbs massive amounts of custard without becoming mushy.
The Tempering Step: Letting the cold dish sit for 30 mins prevents glass breakage and ensures an even bake.
Stale is Better: Use dry or lightly toasted bread to maximize its ‘sponge’ capacity for the custard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Overnight Soak / Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 295
Keywords: baked strawberry french toast, overnight brioche breakfast, cream cheese french toast bake, strawberry and cream brunch, easy holiday breakfast, make ahead french toast, custardy fruit breakfast