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If you’ve been searching for a brunch recipe that tastes like sunshine and cozy weekends rolled into one, this French toast strawberry casserole delivers! Imagine: soft custardy brioche with buttery-golden edges, bursts of juicy strawberries, and a crumbly cinnamon-kissed walnut streusel baked into one beautiful brunch centerpiece. Indulgent and impressive, yet made with simple ingredients and wildly easy to prep ahead, it brings pure joy in every warm, berry‑studded forkful!

“So beautiful and everyone loved it!”

– SUMMER
Straight on photo of an individual serving of strawberry French toast casserole drizzled with maple syrup.

Update: This recipe was originally published in February 2016. I made updates to the article below to include more information making about baked strawberry french toast.

Hi, friends! If you love warm, bakery-style breakfasts, this baked french toast with strawberries is about to become your newest morning obsession. Honestly, this casserole tastes like strawberry coffee cake and classic French toast got together to make the most delicious brunch baby imaginable. Soft, custardy, lightly sweet, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, this casserole will have loved ones hovering around your kitchen: 

Table of Contents

About this french toast strawberry casserole

Imagine: pulling a bubbling pan of strawberry french toast bake from the oven—the aroma making your kitchen smell like the coziest brunch café imaginable. The top is crisp and buttery from the walnut and cinnamon streusel; the brioche bread is pillowy soft and tender from soaking up the rich vanilla custard, while the fresh strawberries melt into warm, jammy little pockets of fruity sweetness throughout. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, along with a light dusting with powdered sugar, and suddenly you’ve got a french toast casserole that feels like a warm hug wrapped up in a bakery-style presentation. 

Oh, and one of the best parts? It’s pretty effortless to prepare. Think: simple pantry staples, one baking dish, zero stovetop flipping required, and it can be assembled ahead of time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, hosting brunch, of just craving something special without the fuss, this wildly delicious strawberry overnight French toast checks every box and turns breakfast into a meal worth celebrating. 

Why make THIS recipe?

  • Spot-on Texture Balance. Soft and custardy on the inside, golden and crisp streusel-adorned on top, with juicy strawberries that soften into sweet, jammy bursts throughout the casserole. 
  • Crowd‑Pleasing, Beautiful Flavors. Inviting vanilla, warming cinnamon, buttery streusel, and naturally sweet berries create a nostalgic, comforting flavor profile everyone loves.
  • Effortless and Make‑Ahead Friendly. Simply whisk the custard and assemble ahead for an easy strawberry overnight French toast.
  • Customizable, Any-Season Recipe. Use fresh strawberries in the summer and frozen ones in the winter. And, try different breads, or swap in blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and/or mixed fruit for endless “french toast casserole with fruit” variations.
  • Family‑Friendly and Brunch‑Ready. This baked french toast looks and feels fancy but uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand (think: bread, eggs, and vanilla). And since it tastes like a cross between classic French toast and strawberry coffee cake, I’ve yet to meet anyone who adore love it. 
  • Chef Developed Recipe. Tired of getting your recipes from untrained “home cooks” with zero culinary knowledge? With this step-by-step recipe—from a trained culinary professional—you’ll be mastering the art of making strawberry French toast in the oven in no time!

If you love breakfast toasts, be sure to check out these recipes next: sugar cinnamon toast and avocado eggs on toast. And if you love berries, this sweet breakfast casserole has got your name written all over it!

Overhead phot of a loaf of brioche bread, fresh strawberries, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract neatly arranged on a white counter.

Ingredients for baked french toast with strawberries

As promised, you’ll just need easy to find ingredients for this brunch recipe:

  • Brioche Bread. Enriched breads such as Brioche or Challah work best if you’re looking for the most luxuriously rich and fluffy texture. Swap: French bread and Texas toast also work well.
  • Fresh Strawberries. The star ingredient of this French toast strawberry casserole, offers sweet fruitiness and pops of beautiful ruby-red color.
  • Dairy. A combination of whole milk and heavy cream lends richness and gives the custard extra luxurious flavor. Swap: Half-and-half works great too.
  • Large Eggs. Essential for the custard base that gives that traditional creamy 
  • Light Brown Sugar. Lightly sweetens the custard and gives a touch of caramel-like richness.
  • Unsalted Butter. Helps create beautifully golden, crisp edges while the French toast is cooking.
  • Vanilla and Strawberry Extract. Bring warming, bakery-style flavor and intense notes of strawberry flavor, respectively.
  • Kosher Salt. Essential for flavor. 

For the streusel topping

  • All-Purpose Flour. Forms the base of the crumb topping.
  • Walnuts. Lends a buttery, nutty, and toasty flavor to the streusel. 
  • Granulated Sugar. Gives rich sweetness. 
  • Ground Cinnamon. Adds warmth and cozy welcoming flavor. 

Recipe variations

  • Bakery-Worthy Presentation. Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with strawberry sauce (recipe included) and pure maple syrup, dollop with cream and serve with fresh strawberries on the side for a restaurant-style plate.
  • Berry Medley French Toast Casserole. Mix strawberries with blueberries and raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry twist.
  • Cinnamon‑Swirl Bread Variation. Add extra cozy warmth and sweetness by using cinnamon swirl bread instead of brioche bread.
  • Buttery Croissant Casserole. Turn this baked french toast into a flaky, buttery strawberry dream by swapping the brioche out for croissants. 
  • Strawberry Cream Cheese Version. Add dollops of sweetened whipped cream cheese for a cheesecake-like swirl throughout the casserole.
  • Chocolate‑Covered Strawberry Twist. Tuck chocolate chips between layers when you add the strawberries for a chocolatey twist.
Close-up photo of the walnut streusel topping on an strawberry French toast casserole before baking.

Professional chef tips for perfect results every time

As a professionally trained and restaurant-experienced chef, here are my top secrets for success:

  • Use Dry, Day‑Old Bread. Slightly dry bread absorbs custard better and prevents sogginess. If all you’ve got on hand is fresh bread, just lightly toast it in the oven before making this french toast casserole.
  • Let the Custard Work its Magic. Do not skip chilling time when making this strawberry overnight french toast; it vastly improves both the texture and flavor. Even 20 minutes makes a difference, but overnight is even better.
  • Don’t Skip the Streusel. It adds essential crunch and bakery‑style flare. But, be sure to the streusel cold before baking to ensure a crisp, crumbly topping.
  • Bake Uncover, Then Cover. Start by baking the french toast uncovered so the top crisps. However, tent the top loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent burning and keep the inside soft and custardy. 
  • Don’t Skip the Resting Time. Let it sit 10 minutes so the custard sets and slices cleanly.
  • Garnish Before Serving. Remember, you eat with your eyes first. I flurry of powdered sugar, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, and a couple dollops of whipped cream are the perfect way to finish this strawberry brunch beauty. 

Step-by-step photos: making french toast casserole with strawberries

If you’re looking for the detailed measurements and full recipe instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

Step-by-step photo collage illustrating how to the make strawberry French toast recipe.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

What is baked French toast?

Baked French toast is an easy breakfast casserole and it’s a delicious, hands-off way to make traditional French toast!

Baked French toast, also known as a French toast casserole or French toast bake, can incorporate other savory or sweet ingredients layered with the bread, such as fresh fruit, slices of meat and/or streusel.

What bread works best for French toast casserole?

Truthfully that depends upon your personal preferences. I personally like to use brioche and challah because they’re rich, slightly sweet, and absorb the custard beautifully without falling apart. However, Texas toast is great if you prefer a savorier flavor. And french bread or sourdough are perfect if you prefer more structure. 

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you sure can. Be sure to thaw, drain, and pat them dry before using to prevent excess moisture and a soggy casserole. 

Can I make it less sweet?

Absolutely. You can use a less sweet bread, such as French bread, reduce the sugar slightly in the custard, and/or omit the streusel topping to make this brunch dish less sweet. And you can also consider serving with fresh fruit instead of strawberry syrup or maple syrup.

How do I know when strawberry french toast is done baking?

Baked french toast is done cooking when the center looks set and there’s no longer liquid in the pan, while the top looks golden brown and crisp.

Can I make this without streusel topping?

Absolutely, but the walnut streusel adds incredible texture and a cozy, bakery-style flavor.

Can I make this dairy‑free? 

Yes, you sure can. Just swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or vegan heavy cream, exchange the regular milk for almond or oat milk, and be sure to use a dairy‑free butter for the streusel.

How do I prevent french toast casserole with fruit from getting soggy?

No one wants a sad, soggy strawberry casserole situation. To avoid this tragedy, be sure to follow the tips below:

  • Use thick slices of bread. Cut your bread into ¾ to 1’’ thick slices. Thin sliced bread will just fall apart in the egg and milk custard mixture.
  • Use stale bread. Make sure your bread is at least a day old so it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard. If you don’t have stale bread, just lightly toast it prior to making this recipe.
  • Use the proper type of bread. Make sure you use a dense bread, such as Brioche, Challah or French bread. Breads with a denser consistency will do a much better job holding together when dipped into the egg custard.
  • Mix the custard well. Whisk the egg and milk mixture until it is fully combined and incorporated.
  • Soak the bread. Make sure you dip your slices of bread into the egg and milk mixture before layering them into a prepared casserole dish. Simply pouring the egg and milk mixture over the layered slices of bread can result in the liquid pooling at the bottom of the dish, which can cause soggy French toast.
  • Don’t over-soak. You can prep and assemble this baked French toast recipe the night before, but don’t attempt to make it any further in advance.

Can I make this french toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, it’s ideal to prepare this strawberry french toast bake ahead of time. Just assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Can I halve the recipe? 

Yes, of course. Just half the ingredients, bake the french toast with strawberries in an 8×8 dish, and reduce baking time slightly.

Angled photo of baked French toast with strawberries and cinnamon streusel on a white plate.

Serving strawberry baked french toast

No breakfast is complete with a few tasty sides. Below are a few delicious options that pair well with this baked strawberry French toast:

  • Classic Finish. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for classic French toast vibes.
  • Bakery-Style Finish. Drizzle with strawberry sauce and topped with whipped cream for a brunch‑worthy moment.
  • Side of Breakfast Meats. Serve alongside a plate of crispy bacon, candy bacon, Canadian bacon, or sausage for a sweet‑savory breakfast balance.
  • Add Eggs. Paired with scrambled eggs or egg muffin bites for a full breakfast spread.
  • Alongside Fruit. Serve with a bowl of fresh fruit or fruit salad for brighter plate.

Unique serving ideas

Storing leftovers

For the best results, allow leftovers of this strawberry french toast bake to cool completely to room temperature before storing according to the directions below:

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover strawberry baked French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing Instructions: Wrap the individual slices of the brunch casserole in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe resealable bag, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. And then thaw the French toast overnight in the fridge before reheating according to the instructions below.
  • Reheating Instructions: Warm leftover strawberry casserole in a 325°F degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warm throughout. (Note: To prevent drying out, loosely tent the top with aluminum foil. Or, for a crispier top, leave the casserole uncovered while reheating.) Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm throughout.
Close-up photo showcasing the streusel topping on a French toast casserole with strawberries.

Between the soft, custardy layers, bursts of juicy berries, and buttery walnut streusel topping, this French toast casserole with strawberries is the type of dish that brings people together and makes mornings feel extra special. It’s make-ahead friendly, super easy to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and irresistibly delicious.

I hope you give this strawberry French toast bake a try, but don’t forget to come back and let me know how your brunch went over—I truly love cheering you on in the kitchen.

Until next time, friends, cheers,

Cheyanne

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More French toast recipes!

Straight on photo of a serving of French toast strawberry casserole made with real strawberries and streusel topping.

French Toast Strawberry Casserole

5 from 13 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Chill in refrigerator: 1 hour
Servings: 8 serving
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a brunch recipe that tastes like sunshine and cozy weekends rolled into one, this French toast strawberry casserole delivers! Imagine: soft custardy brioche with buttery-golden edges, bursts of juicy strawberries, and a crumbly cinnamon-kissed walnut streusel baked into one beautiful brunch centerpiece. Indulgent and impressive, yet made with simple ingredients and wildly easy to prep ahead, it brings pure joy in every warm, berry‑studded forkful!

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Shallow Dish

Ingredients 

Strawberry French Toast Casserole

  • 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk (SEE NOTES)
  • ½ Cup Heavy Cream (you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half)
  • 6 large Eggs
  • 3 TBS Light Brown Sugar
  • 2 TBS Unsalted Butter – melted and cooled, plus more for greasing pan
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp EACH: Vanilla Extract and Strawberry Extract
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • 1 loaf Brioche Bread – cut into 3/4’’ thick slices (can substitute challah) (SEE NOTES)
  • 2 Cups Strawberries – DIVIDED; hulled and sliced, plus more for serving

Walnut Streusel

Instructions

  • Grease Casserole Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Then set the baking dish aside.
  • Prepare the French Toast Custard: In a large bowl or deep shallow dish (like a baking pan), whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, both extracts, and ¼ teaspoon salt. 
  • Soak Bread in Custard:  Dip each slice of bread into the milk and egg mixture, turning over, until fully coated.
  • Arrange and Layer Bread in Casserole Dish:  Transfer the dipped bread slices to the prepared baking dish, arranging the bread vertically in 2 overlapping rows standing upright. 
    Pour the remaining milk and egg mixture (custard) evenly over the bread.
  • Add Strawberries to Casserole: Tuck 1 cup of the strawberries in between the bread slices. 
    Sprinkle the remaining cup of strawberries over the top of the casserole. 
    Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
    (Note: If using a sturdier bread, such as sourdough, you'll want to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.)
  • Make the Walnut Streusel Topping:  In a medium bowl, whisk together the walnuts, flour, both sugars, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. 
    Drizzle in the melted butter and stir with a fork until both large and small chunks of streusel are formed.  Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and then set it aside.
  • Preheat the Oven and Add Streusel: When ready to bake, remove the French toast from the refrigerator and set it on the counter while you preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake Strawberry French Toast: Transfer the French toast to the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until puffed and golden. 
    Loosely tent the top of the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking if the top is browning too quickly. 
  • Serve Baked French Toast with Strawberries:  Remove the casserole from the oven and allow to cool slightly. 
    Dust with confectioner’s sugar, sprinkle with more berries and drizzle with maple syrup.  Enjoy immediately!

Video

Notes

  • Bread: Make sure you are using bread that is at least a day old!  If you only have fresh bread, you can toast the bread in an oven preheated to 200-degrees F for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted.
  • Dairy: Make sure your cream and milk aren’t overly cold.  If your milk is too cold it will re-solidify the melted butter.
  • Chill Time: This French toast requires at least 1 hour of refrigeration for best results. This gives the bread an opportunity to soak up the rich custard.
  • Walnut Streusel: The streusel can be made in advance and stored, covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Easy Strawberry Syrup:
    • 1 (10 ounce jar) Strawberry preserves
    • ¼ Cup Water
    • Pinch of Kosher Salt
    • Directions: In a small saucepan, add the preserves, water and salt.  Bring contents to a boil over high heat.  Immediately reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
    • Note: Syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
I am not a certified nutritionist. All the nutritional information is generated by an online calculator and provided as a courtesy. The nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal    Carbohydrates: 41g    Protein: 14g    Fat: 31g    Saturated Fat: 16g    Cholesterol: 273mg    Sodium: 357mg    Potassium: 224mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 15g    Vitamin A: 1085IU    Vitamin C: 21.2mg    Calcium: 127mg    Iron: 1.8mg
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American

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