Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a sweet treat that feels like a little celebration on your breakfast plate. Soft, golden slices of bread soak up a rich custard, and then they’re topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a dollop of creamy goodness. It’s that perfect mix of warm toast and cool, fruity cream that makes mornings extra special.
I love making this when I want to treat myself or surprise someone with something nice. The strawberries add just the right pop of freshness, while the cream makes every bite smooth and lovely. One little tip I’ve found helpful: use day-old bread because it holds up better and gets wonderfully crispy on the outside without falling apart.
For serving, I like to drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top just before eating. It adds a touch of sweetness that blends beautifully with the strawberries and cream. This is one of those dishes that brings a cozy, happy feeling to the table – perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or when you want to start your day on a delicious note.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick slices like challah or brioche work best here because they soak up the custard well without falling apart. If you don’t have these, Texas toast or even sturdy white bread will do. Avoid very soft or thin bread to keep the toast from getting soggy.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs make the custard rich and creamy, while whole milk or half-and-half adds smoothness. For a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key for that bright, fruity flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, try substituting with blueberries or sliced peaches for a different fruity twist.
Heavy Cream: Whipping heavy cream creates the light and fluffy topping. If you want a lower-fat alternative, whipped coconut cream can substitute well, adding a slight coconut flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soak Without Soggy French Toast?
Getting the right custard soak is all about balance. You want each slice to soak up enough liquid to taste rich inside, but not so much that it falls apart when cooking.
- Use thick, sturdy bread sliced about 1 inch thick.
- Dip each side of the bread into the custard for about 20 seconds—longer soak can lead to sogginess.
- Allow excess custard to drip off before cooking.
- Cook over medium heat so the outside crisps nicely without burning while the inside sets perfectly.
I find it helps to cook the toast patiently and avoid high heat, as rushing this step can leave you with an undercooked center or burnt crust. With this method, you get a golden, tender French toast that holds your fruit and cream beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – cooks the French toast evenly without sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Mixing bowls – one for the custard mixture and one for whipping the cream; helps keep things organized.
- Whisk – perfect for blending eggs and milk smoothly so your custard has no lumps.
- Spatula – sturdy enough to flip thick slices without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for the custard and toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard for a warm, citrusy twist that brightens the flavors.
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a tangier fruit option that pairs well with cream.
- Mix in a little cream cheese or mascarpone with the whipped cream for an extra rich and tangy topping.
- Top with toasted almonds or chopped pistachios for a nice crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 6 slices thick bread (challah or brioche recommended)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
For The Strawberry & Cream Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream)
- Maple syrup or honey, for drizzling
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking, plus just a few minutes to whip the cream and assemble your French toast stack. You can enjoy this delicious breakfast in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Whipped Cream:
In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a mixer, whip it until soft peaks form. Keep this in the fridge while you make the French toast.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is mixed well.
3. Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread in the custard mixture for about 20 seconds on each side. Let the bread soak up the custard but don’t let it get soggy.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each piece of soaked bread for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter for each batch as needed.
5. Prepare Strawberries:
Gently mix the sliced strawberries with a teaspoon of powdered sugar to bring out their sweetness, if you like.
6. Assemble Your French Toast Stack:
Put one piece of French toast on a plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, then add some of the strawberry slices. Place another slice of French toast on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Add a big spoonful of whipped cream on top of your stack. Garnish with a few whole or sliced strawberries. Dust everything lightly with powdered sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey before serving for extra sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy French toast. Pat them dry with paper towels before using.
Can I Make This French Toast Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread the night before. Store the soaked bread in the fridge, then cook fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to preserve crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make the bread soggy.
What Are Good Substitutes for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, try whipping coconut cream or using store-bought whipped topping. Just keep in mind these options may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cream topping.
