Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with a recipe that’ll make your taste buds sing and your lazy-self rejoice. Picture this: golden bread soaked in creamy goodness, with juicy strawberries bursting out from every bite. Yep, we’re making Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, and trust me, it’s about to become your new favorite brunch dish. Let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First off, this dish is totally foolproof. Seriously, it’s idiot-proof, even I didn’t mess it up. You simply layer, pour, and bake. It’s so easy you could probably do it while half-asleep. Plus, who doesn’t love a warm, scrumptious breakfast that looks fancy but is actually a breeze to whip up? You’ll impress your friends, family, or even just yourself. And honestly, that’s what life is all about – impressing yourself while wearing pajama pants.

Oh, let’s not forget that you can totally customize this dish to fit your vibe. Don’t like strawberries? Use whatever fruit your heart desires. Feeling wild? Add in some chocolate chips. In short, this recipe is your canvas – just don’t forget to take a picture before you devour it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything gathered. No one wants a last-minute jaunt to the grocery store when you’re in the zone.

1 loaf of bread (preferably brioche or challah, because you’re fancy like that)
4 large eggs (the more the merrier, right?)
2 cups milk (whole or skim – no judgment here)
1/2 cup heavy cream (because we are living our best life)
1/4 cup sugar (for sweetness, obviously)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (this is the magic ingredient)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (to make it all cozy)
8 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (hello, fruity goodness)
Butter for greasing (your magical grease friend)
Powdered sugar for serving (optional, but c’mon, it’s so pretty)

Gather these ingredients like you’re assembling an Avengers team and let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter. We want this to taste good, not stick to the pan like your last bad relationship.
Cut the bread into thick slices and arrange them in the baking dish. Think Texas toast thick. Don’t worry about being perfect. It’ll all melt together in the end.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Channel your inner chef and whisk like no one’s watching.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well soaked. It’s like a spa day for your bread.
Sprinkle the sliced strawberries over the top. Feel free to be artistic with this step. It’s your masterpiece after all.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Let it bake and do its thing while you scroll through social media and judge people’s brunch choices.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell like heaven.
Let it cool slightly before serving, and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Because we all want our dish to look like it came from a food magazine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven: Rookie mistake. Seriously, it’s like going into battle without your armor.
Using stale bread: I get it, you want to reduce waste, but please. This is French toast, not a survival experiment. Fresh bread gives you the best texture.
Not letting it sit long enough: If you skimp on the soaking time, you might end up with bread that thinks it’s just getting a light shower. It needs to be fully drenched in that creamy goodness.
Skipping the powdered sugar: This is a vital topping. Your dish will look incomplete, sort of like a party without cake.
Getting distracted halfway through: Trust me, the TV show you want to watch will still be on after you bake this heavenly dish.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Now, let’s talk about substitutions. Life is too short to be boring, right?

Bread: If brioche or challah isn’t on your shopping list, you can use any bread you have handy. White bread works, but I’d hang my head in shame for you not using the fancier stuff.
Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can do the trick if you want to avoid dairy. Just make sure they don’t have a weird flavor that clashes with the sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Wanna take it down a notch? You can swap it for half-and-half or even a little more milk. Just don’t expect it to be as rich.
Strawberries: No strawberries? No problem. Go wild with blueberries, bananas, or even apples if the mood strikes you.

Each substitution opens up a new flavor profile, and you can mix and match like a mad scientist. Have fun with it!

FAQ

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is where the magic is, my friend.

Is it okay to prep this the night before? Absolutely! Just cover it and pop it in the fridge, and then bake it fresh in the morning. Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of baked French toast?

Can I add nuts? For sure! Toss in some chopped almonds or walnuts if you want that crunch. Just be prepared for people to ask whether you’re running a bakery or a nut shop.

What if I don’t like cinnamon? No biggie, leave it out. Your kitchen, your rules. But maybe sprinkle in some nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.

Can this be frozen? Yep! You can freeze leftovers (if there are any) and reheat them. Just pop them in the oven when you’re feeling lazy and need that warm breakfast vibe.

How do I store leftovers? Put them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. But really, who will have any leftovers?

Can I make this gluten-free? Totally! Just grab some gluten-free bread and you’re good to go. Everyone deserves to enjoy this deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

Now go impress someone – or yourself – with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it after all that grocery shopping and whisking. And remember, if anyone asks where you got this recipe, just look mysterious and say you’ve got a secret. Happy cooking, friend!