Spring Brunch Strawberry French Toast (Printable Version)

Fluffy brioche and fresh strawberries soaked in creamy custard, baked to golden perfection.

# Components:

→ Bread & Fruit

01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah (approximately 14 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
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

# Method Steps:

01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Arrange half of the bread cubes in the 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 flavor development.
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 powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make it completely the night before—just pop it in the oven while coffee brews and you're already a hero.
  • It tastes like indulgence but feels light enough that nobody needs a nap afterward.
  • The brioche gets impossibly custardy inside while the almond topping stays wonderfully crisp.
02 -
  • Day-old bread is genuinely better than fresh—it has less moisture and holds up to soaking without becoming a mushy mess.
  • Don't skip the overnight chill if you can manage it; the flavors marry and the texture becomes something transcendent instead of just good.
03 -
  • Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the custard mixture for a grown-up edge—just a tablespoon transforms this into something you'd order at an upscale brunch spot.
  • White chocolate chips stirred into the custard before pouring add richness without overpowering the strawberries.
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