Strawberries and Cream French Toast is a sweet morning treat that feels like a little celebration on your plate. Imagine thick, fluffy slices of bread soaking up a creamy custard, then sizzling golden in the pan. On top, fresh, juicy strawberries add a bright splash of color and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with a drizzle of cream or syrup.
I love making this when I want to start the day feeling special but without a lot of fuss. The easy slice of bread soaks up all that creamy goodness, and the strawberries add a fresh pop that makes every bite so satisfying. Plus, it’s a dish that never feels heavy, even if you add a little powdered sugar or whipped cream on top—though that’s totally optional.
For me, the best way to enjoy Strawberries and Cream French Toast is with a cup of fresh coffee or a glass of orange juice on a slow weekend morning. It’s a bright and cozy breakfast that feels like a hug, perfect for sharing with family or friends. I always find that the simple joy of this dish makes everyone around the table smile, which is a great way to kick off the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bread
- Thick-cut brioche or challah makes the best French toast because they're soft and soak up the custard well. If unavailable, use Texas toast or any sturdy white bread.
- Milk or Half
- and-Half: This adds creaminess to the egg mixture. You can substitute with any milk you prefer, including plant-based milks like almond or oat, but the custard may be less rich.
- Strawberries
- Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and a little tartness. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries can work—just thaw and drain excess juice.
- Heavy Cream
- Whipping cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the warm toast. For a lighter option, try whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt.
How Do You Keep French Toast from Getting Soggy?
The key is soaking the bread just right—not too long, but enough to absorb the custard.
- Use thick slices that hold up well.
- Dip each slice quickly, about 10-15 seconds per side, so the bread absorbs moisture but doesn’t become mushy.
- Cook on medium heat so the outside crisps while the inside cooks through.
- Flip carefully and cook evenly on both sides.
- If your pan feels dry, add a bit more butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or griddle – perfect for getting a golden, even crust on your French toast.
- Mixing bowl – wide and shallow so you can dip bread slices easily in the custard mix.
- Whisk – helps combine eggs, milk, and spices smoothly without lumps.
- Spatula – lets you flip the toast gently without breaking it.
- Bowl for whipped cream – chilled to help the cream whip up fluffy and light.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a tangy twist with fresh berries.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the custard mix for extra warmth and citrus notes.
- Swap heavy cream for mascarpone spread between layers for a richer, creamier filling.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
Strawberries and Cream French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Optional: maple syrup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and special breakfast or brunch option that you can enjoy without much waiting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Egg Custard:
In a shallow wide bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until everything is smooth and combined.
2. Prepare the Whipped Cream and Strawberries:
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Toss the sliced strawberries with ¼ cup powdered sugar and lemon juice, then set them aside to soften and release their juices.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, soaking both sides but not too long to avoid sogginess. Place the soaked bread in the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes more. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
4. Assemble the French Toast Stack:
Place one slice of cooked French toast on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the sugared strawberries and some syrup over it. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Layer a second slice of French toast and repeat the strawberry and whipped cream topping.
5. Finish and Serve:
Add the last slice of French toast on top, spoon more strawberries and syrup, and finish with a final dollop of whipped cream. Dust the plate and toast edges with powdered sugar. Serve immediately, and if you want, drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain any extra liquid before tossing them with powdered sugar and lemon juice to avoid soggy French toast.
What Type of Bread Works Best for French Toast?
Thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal because it soaks up the custard well without falling apart. If you don’t have these, Texas toast or any sturdy white bread will work too.
How Can I Make the Whipped Cream Ahead of Time?
You can whip the cream up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir or re-whip slightly before serving to freshen it up.
Can I Prepare the French Toast Mixture the Night Before?
It’s best to prepare the egg mixture fresh before cooking to get the best texture in the French toast. If needed, you can mix the custard the night before and cover it tightly, but give it a stir before dipping the bread.