Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole combines everything I love about a sweet breakfast into one easy 9×13-inch baking dish. Buttery brioche, juicy strawberries, pockets of sweet cream cheese, and a vanilla custard come together in a French toast bake that’s perfect for weekend breakfast, brunch, Easter, Mother’s Day, or any morning when you want something a little special.

And here’s one of my favorite parts:

You can make it ahead.

Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and put it in the refrigerator. The next morning, all you have to do is preheat the oven and bake.

No standing at the stove flipping individual slices of French toast while everyone else is already eating.

Once it’s golden brown, let it rest for a few minutes and finish it with a dusting of powdered sugar and plenty of maple syrup.

It’s part French toast casserole, part strawberry cheesecake, and completely worthy of brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry French Toast Casserole

This is one of those recipes that looks impressive without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques.

You’ll love it because it’s:

• Made with simple ingredients
• Filled with fresh strawberries
• Made with buttery brioche
• Layered with sweetened cream cheese
• Easy to assemble
• Perfect for making ahead
• Baked in one 9×13-inch dish
• Great for feeding a family or brunch crowd
• Delicious with maple syrup
• Perfect for holidays and special occasions
• Easy to prepare the night before

It also gives you all the flavors of strawberry cheesecake without actually making a cheesecake for breakfast.

Although I’m certainly not judging anyone who wants actual cheesecake for breakfast.

What Is Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole?

Think of traditional French toast, but instead of dipping and cooking individual slices of bread, everything gets layered together in a casserole dish.

We start with thick brioche cut into cubes.

Then we layer in sweetened cream cheese and sliced strawberries.

More brioche goes over the top before an egg, milk, sugar, and vanilla custard gets poured over everything.

As the casserole rests, the bread absorbs that custard.

Then the whole thing gets baked until the center is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.

The cream cheese stays tucked throughout the casserole in little cheesecake-like pockets while the strawberries add sweet, fruity flavor.

It’s essentially a strawberry cheesecake French toast bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for this recipe.

Brioche

You’ll need 1 loaf of thick-sliced brioche.

Brioche is one of my favorite breads for French toast because it’s already rich, buttery, and slightly sweet.

That makes it a perfect match for strawberries and cream cheese.

Cut the bread into approximately 1½-inch cubes.

You want fairly substantial pieces rather than tiny cubes that can disappear into the custard.

Milk

You’ll need 1⅔ cups milk.

The milk combines with the eggs, sugar, and vanilla to make the custard that transforms the bread into French toast.

Strawberries

You’ll need 1 cup sliced strawberries.

Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used.

Fresh strawberries are especially beautiful when they’re in season and give the casserole a bright, fresh fruit flavor.

If you’re using frozen strawberries, see my tips below for handling the extra moisture.

Cream Cheese

You’ll need 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.

Softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to combine with the sugar.

The sweetened cream cheese is spooned between the layers of bread rather than completely mixed into the custard.

That means you get little pockets of creamy cheesecake flavor throughout the finished casserole.

Sugar for the Cream Cheese

You’ll need ⅓ cup granulated sugar to sweeten the cream cheese.

Mixing the two together gives us a very simple cheesecake-style filling.

Eggs

You’ll need 10 large eggs.

Yes, ten.

Remember, we’re filling an entire 9×13-inch casserole dish with French toast.

The eggs form the base of the custard and help the casserole set as it bakes.

Sugar for the Custard

You’ll need an additional ½ cup granulated sugar for the egg mixture.

Vanilla Extract

One teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth and sweetness to the French toast custard.

Vanilla, strawberries, cream cheese, and brioche are such a good combination.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar is optional, but I love dusting it over the casserole right before serving.

It gives you that pretty brunch-worthy finish without adding much work.

Don’t Forget the Maple Syrup

Maple syrup isn’t mixed into the casserole itself, but I definitely recommend having some for serving.

The casserole is already sweet, so you don’t need to drown it.

A little warm maple syrup drizzled over a slice is perfect.

Tools for this recipe

Baking Dish Set

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Glass Measuring Cups Set

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measuring spoons

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How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Set it aside.

Making sure the sides are greased is important because the egg mixture can stick as it bakes.

Step 2: Cut the Brioche

Cut your loaf of brioche into approximately 1½-inch cubes.

Add about ⅔ of the bread cubes to the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Spread them out so they form a fairly even first layer.

Don’t worry about making everything perfectly arranged.

This is supposed to be easy.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a small or medium bowl, combine:

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Stir until smooth and well combined.

Softened cream cheese makes this much easier.

If the cream cheese is straight from the refrigerator, you’ll end up fighting with lumps.

How Soft Should Cream Cheese Be?

The cream cheese should be soft enough to stir easily but not melted.

Leave it at room temperature just long enough to soften.

You want a creamy consistency that can be spooned over the bread.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese

Spoon the sweetened cream cheese mixture over the first layer of brioche.

Don’t worry about spreading it into one smooth layer.

In fact, I don’t want you to.

Adding it in dollops creates those delicious little pockets of cream cheese throughout the finished casserole.

That’s part of what gives us the strawberry cheesecake effect.

Step 5: Add the Strawberries

Sprinkle 1 cup sliced strawberries evenly over the bread and cream cheese.

Try to distribute them throughout the casserole so you get strawberry in plenty of servings.

Step 6: Add the Remaining Bread

Scatter the remaining brioche cubes over the strawberries and cream cheese.

Set the baking dish aside while you make the custard.

Step 7: Make the French Toast Custard

In a large bowl, whisk 10 eggs until completely combined.

Then add:

• 1⅔ cups milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 8: Pour the Custard Over the Bread

Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire casserole.

Don’t pour everything into one corner.

Move around the baking dish so the custard reaches as much of the bread as possible.

Then gently press the bread cubes down.

You don’t need to smash them.

You’re simply helping the top pieces make contact with the custard so they can begin absorbing the liquid.

Why Does French Toast Casserole Need to Rest?

If you immediately pour custard over bread and put it into the oven, some of the bread may remain dry while excess custard sits underneath.

Giving the casserole time to rest allows the brioche to absorb more of the egg mixture.

That gives you a more consistent French toast texture from top to bottom.

For this recipe, you can let it rest for as little as 20 minutes or refrigerate it for up to an hour before baking.

Or you can make it the night before.

Step 9: Refrigerate

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

If you’re preparing an overnight French toast casserole, simply leave it covered in the refrigerator overnight.

That’s one of the best features of this recipe.

How to Make Strawberry French Toast Casserole Overnight

This is one of my favorite options when I’m serving brunch.

Assemble the entire casserole the night before.

Cover it tightly with plastic wrap.

Place it in the refrigerator overnight.

The brioche gets plenty of time to absorb the custard while you’re sleeping.

The next morning, remove the plastic wrap and get ready to bake.

If your baking dish is glass or ceramic and very cold, allow it to lose some of its refrigerator chill before placing it into a hot oven, following the temperature-change recommendations for your particular baking dish.

Step 10: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole.

Never put plastic wrap into the oven.

Step 11: Bake

Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 45–50 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautifully golden brown top and a center that’s completely cooked.

Because this casserole contains a substantial amount of eggs, checking the internal temperature is a helpful way to confirm doneness.

The center should reach 160°F.

How Do I Know When French Toast Casserole Is Done?

Look for three things:

• The top is golden brown.
• The center is set rather than liquid.
• The internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the casserole.

If the middle is still very wet or below temperature, give it additional baking time.

Step 12: Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Let it rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

This gives the custard a chance to settle and makes the casserole easier to slice.

And yes, your kitchen is going to smell amazing.

Step 13: Finish and Serve

Dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.

Then slice and serve with maple syrup.

If you have extra fresh strawberries, scatter some over the top before serving.

It makes the casserole especially pretty for brunch.

Can I Use Fresh Strawberries?

Absolutely.

Fresh strawberries are my first choice when they’re sweet and in season.

Slice them before layering them throughout the casserole.

If your strawberries are particularly large, cut the slices into smaller pieces so they’re easier to distribute.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes.

Frozen strawberries are convenient when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.

The biggest consideration is moisture.

Frozen fruit releases more liquid as it thaws and cooks.

If your frozen strawberries have accumulated a lot of liquid, drain away that excess moisture rather than adding all of it to the casserole.

You don’t want additional water diluting the custard.

Do I Need to Thaw Frozen Strawberries?

You can use frozen berries, but if they’re covered in ice crystals or releasing significant liquid, thawing and draining them first gives you more control over the moisture.

Remember, the bread already needs to absorb the egg-and-milk custard.

We don’t want to introduce a lot of unnecessary water.

Why Brioche Is Perfect for French Toast Casserole

Could you make French toast with regular sandwich bread?

Sure.

But brioche makes it better.

Brioche contains plenty of eggs and butter, giving it a rich flavor and tender texture before we even add the custard.

It’s also sturdy enough to absorb the egg mixture while maintaining some structure.

That means you get a soft custardy center without the entire casserole turning into mush.

Can I Use Another Type of Bread?

Yes.

Challah is probably my first alternative.

French bread can also work, although it will give you a different texture and won’t have the same buttery sweetness as brioche.

Whatever bread you choose, make sure you have enough to fill the casserole appropriately.

Bread density and loaf size can vary quite a bit.

Does the Bread Need to Be Stale?

It doesn’t have to be rock-hard or days old.

Slightly dry bread actually works beautifully for French toast casserole because it can absorb plenty of custard.

If your brioche is extremely fresh and soft, you can cube it and let it sit uncovered for a little while before assembling the casserole.

But don’t let a fresh loaf stop you from making the recipe.

The resting period gives the bread plenty of opportunity to soak.

Why Is My French Toast Casserole Soggy?

A properly baked French toast casserole should be soft and custardy inside.

That’s different from being wet or raw.

If yours is genuinely soggy, there are a few things to check.

It Needed More Baking Time

Ovens vary.

Don’t pull the casserole simply because the timer reached 45 minutes.

Make sure the center is set and reaches 160°F.

Your Frozen Strawberries Added Too Much Water

Drain away excess moisture from frozen fruit.

Your Bread Was Extremely Soft

Very fresh, delicate bread can absorb liquid differently than slightly dried bread.

It Didn’t Rest After Baking

Give the casserole those 10 minutes before slicing.

Cutting into it immediately can make it appear wetter than it actually is.

Why Is My French Toast Casserole Dry?

Overbaking is the first thing I’d check.

The center should be cooked, but we’re still making French toast.

You want a soft, custardy interior.

Using too much bread for the amount of custard can also create a dry casserole.

Try to use one standard loaf of brioche rather than packing the pan with considerably more bread.

Can I Add More Strawberries?

You can add a few extra fresh strawberries if you’d like.

Just remember that fruit contains moisture.

I wouldn’t double or triple the amount without adjusting the recipe.

One cup gives you strawberry flavor throughout without overwhelming the custard.

If you want more strawberry flavor, I prefer serving additional fresh strawberries over the top.

Can I Add Other Berries?

Absolutely.

Blueberries would be especially good.

Raspberries or blackberries could work too.

You could even use a combination of berries for a mixed berry cheesecake French toast casserole.

Just keep the overall amount of fruit reasonable so you don’t dramatically change the moisture level.

Can I Add Lemon?

Strawberry and lemon are a fantastic combination.

If you want to brighten the cheesecake filling, a little finely grated lemon zest would pair beautifully with the strawberries and cream cheese.

You don’t need lemon juice in the custard.

A small amount of zest provides plenty of flavor without adding additional liquid.

Can I Add Cinnamon?

You can.

Cinnamon is common in classic French toast, although I leave it out of this version so the strawberry, vanilla, and cream cheese flavors stand out.

If cinnamon is a must-have in French toast at your house, add a little to the egg mixture.

Can I Use Sour Cream?

You don’t need it.

Some cheesecake-inspired breakfast casseroles add sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.

This recipe keeps the filling simple with just cream cheese and sugar.

That gives us the cheesecake flavor without adding another ingredient.

Can I Use Less Sugar?

Keep in mind that the sugar is divided between two different components.

The ⅓ cup sugar sweetens the cream cheese.

The ½ cup sugar sweetens the French toast custard.

If you significantly reduce either one, you’ll change the flavor of that part of the casserole.

If you’re concerned about sweetness, I’d serve it with less maple syrup rather than changing the tested casserole.

What to Serve With Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

This casserole is sweet and rich, so I like balancing it with savory breakfast foods and fresh fruit.

Try serving it with:

• Bacon
• Breakfast sausage
• Scrambled eggs
• Fresh berries
• Mixed fresh fruit
• Yogurt
• Coffee
• Orange juice
• Maple syrup

For brunch, you can set the casserole in the center of the table and surround it with savory sides.

Perfect for Easter Brunch

Strawberries make this French toast casserole especially good for spring.

The red berries and powdered sugar look beautiful on a brunch table, and the make-ahead option means you’re not stuck in the kitchen assembling breakfast while everyone else is enjoying Easter morning.

Prepare it Saturday night.

Bake it Sunday morning.

Add powdered sugar and fresh strawberries.

Done.

Strawberry French Toast Casserole for Mother’s Day

This would also make a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch.

Especially if somebody else makes it for Mom.

Just saying.

You can assemble everything the night before, which means the morning itself can stay relaxed.

Pair it with bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, coffee, and maybe something bubbly for the adults, and you’ve got an easy homemade brunch.

A Great Make-Ahead Breakfast for Christmas Morning

Don’t limit this recipe to spring.

An overnight French toast casserole is one of my favorite ideas for Christmas morning because almost all the work happens the night before.

Nobody wants to be measuring ten eggs while everyone else is opening presents.

Assemble it on Christmas Eve.

Bake it Christmas morning.

And enjoy.

Can I Double This Recipe?

If you’re feeding a large crowd, I recommend making two separate 9×13-inch casseroles rather than trying to cram a doubled recipe into one oversized or deeper pan.

That keeps the baking depth similar and makes the cooking time more predictable.

Can I Cut the Recipe in Half?

Yes, although you’ll need to use a smaller baking dish and monitor the baking time.

A smaller casserole may cook faster.

The center should still reach 160°F.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

Because this casserole contains eggs, milk, and cream cheese, leftovers need to be refrigerated.

Let the casserole cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer individual portions to an airtight container.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days for the best quality.

How to Reheat French Toast Casserole

For individual servings, the microwave is easiest.

Heat just until warmed through.

For a larger amount, cover the casserole and reheat it gently in the oven.

You don’t want to bake it all over again.

We’re just trying to warm it without drying out the bread.

Add fresh powdered sugar after reheating if you’d like.

Can You Freeze French Toast Casserole?

Yes.

Once baked and completely cooled, cut the casserole into individual portions.

Wrap or store the portions in freezer-safe containers.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

I like freezing individual servings because you can pull out exactly what you need instead of defrosting an entire casserole.

More Breakfast and Strawberry Recipes From Krystel’s Cooking

If you love the strawberry cheesecake combination, try my Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars. They’re creamy, fruity, and perfect when you want those same strawberry cheesecake flavors in dessert form.

My Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Bars are another great option when strawberries are in season, with a bright citrus flavor that makes them especially good for spring and summer.

For another sweet breakfast casserole, try my Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake. It’s an easy, cozy breakfast that’s perfect when you’re feeding the family on a weekend or holiday morning.

If you’re looking for another breakfast recipe that’s perfect with coffee, my Easy Pecan Breakfast Coffee Cake is a great choice for brunch.

And for another bakery-style breakfast treat, try my Easy Cream Cheese Danish when you’re craving that cream cheese pastry combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole?

It’s a baked French toast casserole made with brioche, strawberries, sweetened cream cheese, and an egg-and-milk custard.

What bread is best for French toast casserole?

Brioche is my favorite because it’s buttery, rich, and sturdy enough to absorb the custard. Challah is another great option.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

Yes. Fresh strawberries work beautifully.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Drain away excess liquid so the fruit doesn’t add too much moisture to the casserole.

Can I make French toast casserole the night before?

Absolutely. Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

How long does French toast casserole need to soak?

This recipe can soak for as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour before baking, or you can refrigerate it overnight.

What temperature do I bake French toast casserole?

Bake it at 350°F.

How long does it bake?

Approximately 45–50 minutes, although oven temperatures and baking dishes can affect the exact time.

What internal temperature should French toast casserole reach?

The center should reach 160°F.

Why is my casserole soggy?

It may need additional baking time, or excess liquid from frozen fruit may have been added. Make sure the center is set before removing it from the oven.

Can I use another bread?

Yes. Challah or a sturdy French bread can work, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Does the bread need to be stale?

No, although slightly dry bread absorbs custard especially well.

Can I add blueberries?

Yes. Blueberries are a great variation.

Can I add lemon zest?

Absolutely. Strawberry, lemon, and cream cheese are a great combination.

Do I need sour cream?

No. The cheesecake-style filling is made simply with softened cream cheese and sugar.

What do I serve with it?

Maple syrup, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and coffee are all great options.

How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container or tightly covered baking dish.

How long will leftovers last?

For the best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within approximately 3–4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Baked portions can be frozen and reheated later.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is everything I want from a special breakfast without requiring me to spend the entire morning cooking.

You get buttery brioche soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, fresh strawberries tucked throughout, and creamy pockets of sweetened cream cheese that make the whole thing taste a little like cheesecake.

Then the top gets golden brown in the oven.

Add powdered sugar.

Drizzle on some maple syrup.

Breakfast is served.

And because you can assemble the entire casserole the night before, it’s especially perfect for the mornings when you’d rather spend time with your family than stand over the stove making individual pieces of French toast.

Make it for Easter.

Make it for Mother’s Day.

Make it for Christmas morning.

Or make it on a completely ordinary Saturday because you bought too many strawberries and breakfast suddenly needs to be exciting.

I’m good with all of the above.

Just don’t forget the maple syrup.

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