Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a delightful breakfast treat that’s both sweet and comforting. Picture thick, fluffy slices of bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture, then cooked to golden perfection, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a dollop of smooth cream. It’s like a warm hug on a plate first thing in the morning.
I love making this when I want to start the day feeling special without much fuss. The combination of tart strawberries and rich cream takes simple French toast to a whole new level. I like to use slightly day-old bread because it soaks up the custard better and gets that perfect texture—crispy outside and soft inside.
My favorite way to serve this is with a little drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time, whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or when friends come over. Honestly, it feels like a small celebration with every bite, and the bright colors make the table look extra inviting too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads are perfect for French toast because they’re thick, soft, and slightly sweet. If you can’t find them, challah and brioche can be swapped with Texas toast or any thick, sturdy white bread. Day-old bread works great to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs provide structure and richness, while whole milk helps make the custard creamy. You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but keep the texture in mind—it may not be as rich.
Heavy Cream: This is key for the luscious, fluffy cream filling. For a lighter version, you could use mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey, though the texture will be different but still tasty.
Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen work in a pinch, but fresh gives that bright pop and pleasant texture.
How Do You Make French Toast Soaked Perfectly Without Turning Soggy?
The trick is soaking the bread just enough to get it flavorful inside without becoming mushy. Here’s how:
- Use thick slices of sturdy bread, ideally a day old or slightly stale.
- Whisk together your custard mixture well (eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla).
- Dip each slice quickly, about 10-15 seconds per side, letting the bread absorb, but not get dripping wet.
- Cook on medium heat so the outside crisps up while the inside stays custardy.
Patience is important—don’t rush flipping. This ensures a beautiful golden crust and a tender center that holds up well with the cream and berries.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly without sticking and makes flipping easy.
- Mixing bowls – one for whisking the egg mixture, another for whipping the cream; keeping ingredients separate helps with smooth prep.
- Whisk – great for blending eggs and milk into a smooth custard and whipping cream to fluffy peaks.
- Spatula – helps flip the French toast gently without breaking the bread.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your vanilla, sugar, and milk just right for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different berry twist and a burst of color.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for warm, cozy spice notes that pair well with cream.
- Use mascarpone cheese mixed with a touch of honey instead of whipped cream for a richer, tangy layer inside.
- Top with toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans for a lovely crunchy contrast to the soft French toast.
Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 4 thick slices brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For The Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus whole strawberries for garnish)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep and cooking time. Whipping the cream and cooking the French toast will be quick and easy, so you can enjoy a fresh, warm breakfast in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Egg Custard:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, soaking both sides well but avoid making the bread too soggy. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Cream and Strawberries:
While the bread is cooking, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold in the sliced strawberries without breaking them up too much.
4. Assemble the French Toast Sandwich:
Spread a generous layer of the strawberry cream mixture onto one slice of the cooked French toast. Top it with another slice to make a sandwich. Dust the top with extra powdered sugar, and garnish with a whole fresh strawberry and a mint leaf if you like.
5. Serve:
Drizzle maple syrup over the sandwich just before serving for a sweet finishing touch. Enjoy your warm, delicious Strawberries and Cream French Toast!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the cream filling, which could make it too runny.
How Can I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling with fresh cream and strawberries to keep it tasting fresh.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping in place of heavy cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What Bread Works Best for French Toast?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best because they soak up the custard well without falling apart and create a soft, custardy center with a crisp outside.