Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast: A Brunch Delight
The Strawberry cream cheese toast is a delightful breakfast option that combines flavors and nutrition elegantly. This French toast casserole is not only convenient for brunch gatherings but also offers a luscious experience with the drizzle of warm homemade strawberry sauce. It’s a perfect way to start the day on a sweet note, ensuring a start reminiscent of a delightful morning breeze.
Yield and Cooking Details
Here is a breakdown of the time and servings for this delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast casserole:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Additional Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 9×13-inch casserole
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast
For this delicious Strawberry cream cheese toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 slices home-style white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, divided
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cold cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 12 large eggs
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions for Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast
- Prepare the Bread Layer: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cream Cheese and Strawberries: Distribute the cream cheese cubes evenly over the bread. Add 1½ cups of sliced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese.
- Top with Remaining Bread: Cover with the remaining bread cubes.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, and pure maple syrup. Pour this mixture over the bread and cream cheese layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight (about 8 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Prepare the Strawberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, 1 cup of water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Stir in 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries and 1 tablespoon of butter until the butter has melted.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm homemade strawberry sauce over the baked French toast casserole and serve immediately.
Health Benefits and Tips
The blend of fresh strawberries in the Strawberry cream cheese toast is not only delightful but this ingredient is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants that are beneficial for boosting immunity. Additionally, the use of fresh components and homemade sauce allows control over sugar content and quality, making this breakfast option a nutritious choice.
Optional Healthier Cooking Methods
For those looking to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor, consider these optional adjustments:
- Opt for whole-grain bread instead of home-style white bread for added fiber.
- Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or queso fresco.
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe unites the comfort of French toast with the freshness of strawberries, making it a favorite breakfast or brunch option. Not only is it easy to prepare ahead of time, but it also provides a generous yield perfect for gatherings. Above all, the delightful combination of cream cheese, strawberries, and homemade sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that will surely impress.
Experience the delightful combination of textures and flavors by trying this recipe today. Let the warmth of the homemade strawberry sauce envelop your senses and brighten your morning table! In conclusion, this dish makes for a splendid morning feast that’s both heartwarming and visually stunning. Enjoy every bite and stay inspired in the kitchen!
