Save to Pinterest One February morning, my friend texted asking if I could bring brunch to her place—she was hosting a small gathering for Valentine's Day but was swamped with work. I wanted something that felt fancy but wouldn't have me stressed in her kitchen, so I landed on this strawberry French toast casserole. The beauty of it is that you assemble it at home, let it sit overnight in the fridge, and then just slide it into the oven while everyone arrives with coffee and good conversation. The first time I pulled it out golden and puffed, I knew I'd found something special.
I'll never forget watching my friends' faces when I set this down at the table, still warm and dusted with powdered sugar. One of them asked if I'd made it at a bakery because she couldn't believe how custardy the center was and how perfectly golden the top had turned out. That's when I realized this dish has a way of making people feel celebrated, even if you've just done the actual work the night before in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah: Use a full loaf and cut it into thick cubes—the bread needs enough surface area to soak up all that custard without falling apart, and brioche's buttery crumb is worth seeking out for this.
- Fresh strawberries: Hull and slice them just before assembling so they stay bright and release their juice into the custard layer.
- Eggs: Six large eggs create the silky custard base that keeps everything moist, so don't skip them or substitute.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: This combination gives you richness without the casserole becoming heavy or greasy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard gently, while brown sugar in the topping adds deeper molasses notes.
- Vanilla extract: Two teaspoons seems like a lot, but brioche loves vanilla and it brightens everything.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon goes into both the custard and the topping, building flavor depth throughout.
- Brown sugar and flour for topping: Cold butter gets worked into these to create a streusel that bakes into crunchy pockets of sweetness and texture.
- Almonds (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and nuttiness that makes the topping feel more intentional.
Instructions
- Prepare your dish:
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or spray so the casserole releases cleanly after baking. This simple step prevents frustration later.
- Layer the bread and berries:
- Spread half the cubed brioche in an even layer, then scatter half the sliced strawberries over top. Repeat with the remaining bread and strawberries so every bite gets fruit. The fruit will sink as the custard sets, distributing its flavor.
- Make the custard:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and fruit, then press down gently with the back of a spoon so the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Build the topping:
- Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then work in cold diced butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. If using almonds, stir them in now.
- Chill for flavor:
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting time lets the bread fully absorb the custard and flavors meld.
- Bake low and slow:
- Preheat to 350°F, then bake covered with foil for 30 minutes to keep things moist, then uncovered for 15 minutes until the top is golden and the center is just set. You want a slight jiggle in the middle, not a firm pancake.
- Rest and serve:
- Let it cool 10 minutes so it sets slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup and extra strawberries on the side.
Save to Pinterest There's something about watching people dive into this casserole that goes beyond just eating food—it becomes part of the conversation, the connection, the reason everyone lingered at the table longer than expected. That's when I realized this recipe isn't just about strawberries and custard; it's about creating a moment where people feel wanted and cared for.
Make-Ahead Magic
The overnight rest is genuinely the best part about this casserole because it transforms morning chaos into calm confidence. Assemble it before bed, slide it into the fridge, and wake up knowing your hardest work is already done. I've found that the longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the more custard the bread absorbs and the deeper those cinnamon flavors become.
Texture Matters
Every element here—from the pillowy brioche to the jammy berries to that crumbly, cinnamon-brown-sugar topping—plays a role in making each forkful interesting. The contrast between creamy custard and crispy streusel is exactly what keeps people coming back for seconds. When the casserole comes out of the oven with those caramelized edges and puffed center, you'll understand why this dish impresses every single time.
Feeding a Crowd with Confidence
This recipe feeds eight people generously, which makes it perfect for Valentine's brunch, birthday celebrations, or any morning when you want to feel like you've pulled off something restaurant-worthy without the actual stress. The fact that you can make it a day ahead means you're free to set a beautiful table, brew good coffee, and actually enjoy your guests instead of being tied to the kitchen.
- If anyone has a dairy allergy, plant-based milk and butter swaps work seamlessly without sacrificing texture or taste.
- Swap brioche for croissants if you want a flakier texture, though the cooking time stays the same.
- Leftovers keep beautifully for 2-3 days in the fridge and reheat gently in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil.
Save to Pinterest Once you've made this casserole, you'll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want to impress without the performance anxiety. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like a confident cook and your guests feel genuinely celebrated.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, refrigerating it overnight allows the custard to soak fully, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → What bread types work best here?
Brioche or challah provide a rich, tender base, but French bread or croissants are great alternatives for different textures.
- → Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Substitute whole milk and cream with plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free butter for the topping.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Incorporate cream cheese cubes between bread layers or experiment with additional spices like nutmeg.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by maple syrup and extra fresh strawberries.