Spring Brunch Strawberry French Toast (Printable Version)

A vibrant brioche bake with fresh strawberries and a luscious custard, perfect for spring brunch.

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Fruit

01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 14 oz)
02 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

→ Custard Mixture

03 - 6 large eggs
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1/3 cup sliced almonds
12 - 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or coarse sugar

# How To Make It:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Arrange half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the sliced strawberries over the bread. Repeat with remaining bread and strawberries, layering them evenly.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
04 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and strawberries, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for optimal results.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F.
07 - Uncover the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, then sprinkle with sliced almonds and turbinado sugar.
08 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
09 - Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning
  • Feeds a crowd: Perfect for 8 servings, ideal for family gatherings and brunch parties
  • Simple ingredients: No fancy techniques required, just layer, soak, and bake
  • Seasonal star: Fresh strawberries make this a springtime showstopper
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different berries or add-ins like white chocolate
02 -
  • Use day-old brioche or challah for the best custard absorption and texture
  • Don't skip the refrigeration step—it ensures even soaking and better flavor
  • Press down gently on the bread after pouring the custard to eliminate air pockets
  • Check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center—it should come out mostly clean
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so the custard sets properly for clean slicing
  • Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy top
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