Imagine waking up to a heavenly aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen - that's exactly what this Baked Strawberry French Toast promises! This isn't just another breakfast recipe; it's a game-changing morning masterpiece that will transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or when you simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something absolutely spectacular.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your French toast bakes evenly and achieves a golden-brown color.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent the French toast from sticking.
- Slice the loaf of bread into thick slices, about 1 inch each. If using day-old bread, it will absorb the egg mixture better.
- Arrange the sliced bread in the greased baking dish, overlapping the slices slightly for an appealing presentation.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs and whisk them until they are well combined.
- Add 2 cups of milk to the eggs, followed by 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until everything is well blended and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged slices of bread in the baking dish, ensuring that each piece is well soaked. You may want to gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries over the top of the bread mixture, pressing them gently into the bread to ensure they stay in place during baking.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
- After the resting period, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy your delicious Baked Strawberry French Toast!
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption. Slightly stale bread actually works better as it soaks up the egg mixture more effectively.
- Soak Time is Crucial: Allow the bread to rest in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking. This ensures each slice is perfectly saturated with flavor.
- Even Distribution: When adding strawberries, spread them evenly to guarantee every bite has a burst of fruity goodness.
- Don't Overbake: Watch your French toast carefully in the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent it from becoming too dry.
- Serving Suggestions: Enhance your dish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 180mg
