Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on classic French toast. Soft brioche, creamy cheese, and fresh berries come together to create a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a white oval baking dish filled with a baked dessert layered with golden brown bread pieces forming the base layer, topped with small dollops of creamy white cheese or custard. On top, there are fresh, halved bright red strawberries with green tops, plump dark blue blueberries, and powdered sugar lightly dusted over the fruits and bread. The edges of the dish show purple berry juices bubbling over slightly, adding a rustic touch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a few whole strawberries and some small purple flowers nearby, creating a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf brioche bread
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces strawberries
  • 8 ounces blueberries

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Step 2: Chop the brioche loaf into bite-sized chunks and set them aside.
  3. Step 3: Chop the cream cheese into small cubes for even distribution.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the brioche chunks in an oven-safe baking dish. Scatter the strawberries and blueberries over the bread, then place the cream cheese cubes evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
  7. Step 7: When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.

Tips & Variations

  • Use day-old brioche for better texture, as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
  • Swap the strawberries and blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different berry mix.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Adding a handful of chopped nuts on top before baking adds a nice crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer consists of toasted golden brown bread pieces, partially covered by a creamy, light yellow custard. On top of this are fresh blueberries and halved strawberries, their red and blue colors bright and fresh, scattered unevenly across the dish. Some dollops of white cream add softness in spots among the fruit. A thin stream of golden syrup is being poured over the top, adding a shiny glaze to the dish. The background is a white marbled surface with a few whole strawberries and blueberries blurred in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish the morning of serving?

Yes, you can refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before baking, but letting it soak overnight enhances the flavors and texture.

Can I use bread other than brioche?

While brioche is ideal for its richness and softness, you can substitute with challah or any thick, soft bread for a similar result.

Print
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Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake Recipe


  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus overnight chilling
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Berry Brioche Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is an indulgent and comforting breakfast casserole featuring soft brioche bread, tangy cream cheese, fresh strawberries and blueberries soaked in a rich egg custard. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a weekend brunch or holiday morning, delivering a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and cinnamon-spiced flavors with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Cheese

  • 1 loaf brioche bread
  • 8 ounces cream cheese

Custard Mixture

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Fruits

  • 16 ounces strawberries
  • 8 ounces blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the French toast casserole.
  2. Prepare Brioche: Chop the brioche loaf into chunks and set aside in a large bowl or plate; this will form the base of the bake.
  3. Prepare Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes so it can be evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
  4. Prepare Egg Wash Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, forming the custard base.
  5. Assemble the Bake: Arrange the brioche cubes evenly in an oven-safe baking dish. Scatter the strawberries and blueberries over the bread, then place the cream cheese cubes on top to distribute the creamy pockets throughout.
  6. Pour Custard: Pour the prepared egg wash mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring all the bread pieces soak up the custard. Cover the dish with foil.
  7. Chill Overnight: Refrigerate the assembled dish overnight or for at least 1 hour to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors and soften.
  8. Bake: Remove the foil and bake the French toast casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  9. Serve: Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whole milk and cream cheese with plant-based versions.
  • Soaking overnight improves texture and flavor by allowing the custard to penetrate the brioche fully.
  • Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor or substitute with frozen berries if out of season (thawed first).
  • Optional toppings include powdered sugar, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • This recipe can be prepared the night before for an easy, hands-off breakfast or brunch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: French toast bake, berry French toast, brioche casserole, cream cheese breakfast bake, make-ahead breakfast

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