Why This Recipe Works
Making a Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole is like creating a beautiful symphony of flavors. When chocolate meets strawberries, it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Each bite delivers that delightful sweetness, striking a lovely balance that makes your taste buds sing.
Beyond the taste, the ease of assembly is a game changer. Busy mornings call for quick, make-ahead meals, and this casserole fits the bill perfectly. You can whip it up the night before, leaving minimal prep for the day of serving.
Plus, you have complete control over the texture! Want it fluffy? Bake a bit less. Prefer it firm? Let it bake a little longer. This recipe adapts to your liking, ensuring that every person at your breakfast table gets exactly what they hope for.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole
Have you ever wanted to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen? This dish does just that. It feels both elegant and indulgent, yet you’ll find it surprisingly easy to make.
And let’s be real—kids adore it! Chocolate and strawberries are favorites for young ones and adults alike, making this casserole a universal crowd-pleaser.
Lastly, the way this dish is served adds to the charm. With a large casserole pan, serving is a breeze, especially for brunches or holiday gatherings. Just slice, serve, and smile!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf chocolate chip brioche bread (or regular brioche & 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pound diced strawberries, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
Assembling the Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole
Prepare the Bread Layer
To start, cut the brioche loaf into 1-inch pieces. Use half of these pieces to line a 2 ½ quart baking dish, pressing the bread gently into the dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, add the block of cream cheese. Give it a quick zap in the microwave for 60 seconds on high to soften it. Afterward, mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together into a smooth, creamy texture.
Layer the Casserole
Now, it’s time to build this delicious casserole! Pour the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of bread. Use a spatula to make sure it covers the bread evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the diced strawberries over the cream cheese layer.
Carefully add the remaining bread pieces on top and give them a light press down to compact everything a bit.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add in the milk, heavy cream, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well combined.
Combine and Refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture into the casserole dish, ensuring all the bread is soaked nicely. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or better yet, overnight. This waiting time allows all those flavors to blend beautifully.
Bake the Casserole
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the casserole for 45 minutes to 1 hour, keeping an eye on it. Adjust the baking time to hit your preferred texture.
Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is golden and bubbling, take it out of the oven. Top it off with the remaining diced strawberries. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some chocolate syrup or sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for an extra special touch.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your brunch experience by pairing this casserole with some crispy bacon or sausage links. The savory contrast complements the sweetness perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, serve a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside it. You won’t regret it!
Tips for Success
- For optimal texture, use day-old brioche. This allows for better absorption of the creamy goodness.
- Want a twist? Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or bananas for a fresh flair.
Variations
If you’re craving something different, swap the chocolate brioche for banana bread. The flavor profile shifts beautifully, offering a new take on this classic.
Consider adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for delightful crunch throughout the casserole.
FAQs
What can I use if I can’t find chocolate chip brioche?
No worries! You can substitute with regular brioche or another sweet bread. Just add half a cup of chocolate chips to keep that chocolatey goodness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is fantastic to prep overnight, which works perfect for brunch gatherings with family and friends.
How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven will keep it nice and fluffy.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can! Freeze it before baking. When you’re ready, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it the next day.
What drinks pair well with this dish?
Coffee, mimosas, or a refreshing fruit smoothie work wonderfully alongside this sweet dish and add a fun twist to your meal.
This Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole is not just a dish—it’s an experience. It invites joy, warmth, and deliciousness to your table, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the smiles it brings to your loved ones!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole
This Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole is a delightful blend of chocolate and strawberries, perfect for a quick brunch. It’s easy to prepare ahead and sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 loaf chocolate chip brioche bread (or regular brioche & 1/2 cup chocolate chips)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pound diced strawberries, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut brioche into 1-inch pieces and line a baking dish with half of them.
- Soften cream cheese in the microwave and mix with maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the bread layer and add half of the diced strawberries.
- Add remaining bread pieces and press down.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, and cinnamon.
- Pour egg mixture over the casserole and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Garnish with remaining strawberries and optional toppings before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For best texture, use day-old brioche for better absorption of flavors.
Feel free to substitute or add other fruits like blueberries or bananas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 120
