Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly baked breakfast wafting through the house, and that’s exactly what you can expect with this Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole. Imagine a cozy Sunday morning, the kids are still in their pajamas, and you’re about to serve them a dish that feels indulgent yet so comforting. This recipe captures all the delightful flavors of strawberry cheesecake with the warm, fluffy goodness of French toast, making it an ideal way to start the day. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a special treat just because.

Essential Ingredients for Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

The ingredients for this delightful casserole are simple yet come together beautifully to create an indulgent dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that creamy, sweet flavor profile we love. The Challah bread acts as the perfect base, providing a soft texture that soaks up the rich custard. Meanwhile, the cream cheese adds the cheesecake element, while the strawberries bring a burst of freshness. This balance makes every bite a delicious experience!

• 12 slices Challah bread – Day-old works best, as it holds up to the custard without getting mushy. French, Italian, or any similar bread will also do.
• 12 oz light cream cheese – The star ingredient that brings that cheesecake flavor; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and balance against the tartness of the strawberries.
• 1 egg – Helps to enrich the cream cheese mixture.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – Adds a refreshing zing that enhances the overall flavor.
• 10 eggs – These are essential for the custard base that holds the casserole together.
• 3/4 cup milk – Keeps the custard creamy and delicious.
• 3/4 cup half-and-half – For extra richness, creating that luscious texture.
• 1/3 cup maple syrup – Sweetens the custard and adds depth to the flavor.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, sweet aroma into the dish.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – Adds a cozy spice that perfectly complements the strawberries.
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Just a hint to bring warmth and complexity to the flavor.
• 2 cups sliced strawberries – Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam – To enhance the strawberry flavor and provide a lovely glaze.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup – For serving, this will elevate the sweetness and make breakfast feel special.

Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole Instructions

Making this Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is a breeze, especially since you can do most of the work the night before! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning breakfast ready to bake in no time.

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about three to five minutes. It’s important to get it nice and airy for the best texture.
3. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, and mix until it’s thoroughly combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and creamy without any lumps.
4. Next, beat in one egg along with the lemon juice until fully incorporated. This will add a touch of brightness and acidity to complement the sweetness.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the 10 eggs, milk, half-and-half, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This custard base is what will soak into our bread, making it rich and delicious.
6. Now, take your Challah bread and schmear each slice with the cream cheese mixture, layering on sliced strawberries as you go. Place another slice of bread on top to create a sandwich. Repeat this process until all slices are used, ensuring each one is generously filled.
7. Cut the assembled sandwiches into cubes and place about two-thirds of them into the prepared baking dish. It’s okay if they’re touching; they will puff up beautifully while baking.
8. Top the bread cubes with the remaining sliced strawberries and drizzle the leftover cream cheese mixture over the top for extra flavor.
9. Finally, layer the remaining sandwich cubes on top, pressing them down gently to ensure they soak up the custard mixture.
10. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure all the bread is adequately soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
11. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it rest while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial step helps to set the custard without browning the top too quickly.
13. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check by gently shaking the pan; if it wobbles a bit in the center, it needs more time.
14. Once it’s done, serve warm with maple syrup or additional fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
15. For a delightful drizzle, combine equal parts strawberry jam and maple syrup, heating in the microwave in 30-second intervals until the jam dissolves into the syrup. This makes a lovely topping!

Variations to Try

This Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is delicious as is, but there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add different fruits: Substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced bananas for new flavors.
• Chocolate lovers: For a twist, add some chocolate chips between the layers; they melt beautifully and enhance the sweetness.
• Nutty texture: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Use flavored cream cheese: Try using a flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or honey, to boost the flavor profile even further.
• Different bread types: Experiment with different breads like brioche or sourdough to see how they change the texture and taste.
• Make it a dessert: Serve it as a dessert by adding a bit of whipped cream or ice cream on top for a sweet treat after dinner.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve This Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole With

Serving this Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. Here are some ideas to inspire your breakfast table:

• Maple syrup: Serve with warm maple syrup on the side; it’s a classic pairing that enhances the sweetness.
• Fresh fruit: Add a side of fresh fruit such as berries, sliced bananas, or kiwi for a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a delightful creaminess and makes it feel extra special.
• Breakfast meats: Consider pairing it with breakfast meats like sausage or bacon for a savory balance to the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: Complement this delicious breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or a soothing tea to round out the meal.
• Serve for special occasions: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or celebrations, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings.
• Make it a buffet: Set up a breakfast buffet where guests can add toppings like extra strawberries, coconut flakes, or nuts to personalize their serving.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole is truly a breakfast masterpiece that combines the best of both worlds—an indulgent dessert and a comforting breakfast. It’s perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself to something special. I encourage you to try this casserole and experience the joy it brings to your mornings. Your family will thank you!

Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Overnight Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole marries the creamy goodness of cheesecake with fluffy French toast. With layers of sweet strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s an easy weeknight breakfast that’s sure to impress. Make it tonight for a delightful morning surprise!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 slices Challah bread Day old - French, Italian or any other bread good for French Toast
• 12 oz light cream cheese
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg egg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 10 eggs eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup maple syrup for serving

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
2. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in granulated sugar until thoroughly combined.
4. Beat in 1 egg and lemon juice until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
5. Whisk together 10 eggs, milk, half-and-half, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
6. Schmear bread with cream cheese mixture. Layer on sliced strawberries. Place another slice of bread on top to create a sandwich. Repeat for all slices of bread.
7. Cut into cubes and place approximately two-thirds of the sandwich cubes into baking dish.
8. Top with remaining strawberries and drizzle remaining cream cheese mixture over the top.
9. Place remaining sandwich cubes on top.
10. Finally, pour egg mixture over the top.
11. Press down lightly and cover with plastic wrap.
12. Refrigerate overnight.
13. Remove from refrigerator and let rest while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
14. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for another 25-35 minutes or until the surface is golden and the center is set.
16. Serve with maple syrup or additional fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
17. Combine equal parts strawberry jam and maple syrup. Heat on medium-high heat in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until the jam has dissolved into the syrup.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking; just thaw and bake when ready.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
• Tip for breakfast prep: You can prepare individual servings in muffin tins for a fun twist.
• Special occasions: Great for holidays, brunch events, or family gatherings.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.