strawberry cheesecake baked french toast casserole

Strawberry cheesecake baked French toast casserole is a delicious and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and decadent French toast. Here’s a recipe to make this delightful casserole:Ingredients:

For the French toast:

• 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the strawberry topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For serving:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the cubed French bread in the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cubed French bread in the baking dish, ensuring that all the bread is coated. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the mixture.
6. In another bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until coated. Spread the strawberries over the top of the French toast mixture in the baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by mixing together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the strawberries in the baking dish.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
10. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
11. Bake the French toast casserole, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Serve the strawberry cheesecake baked French toast casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, if desired.

Enjoy this decadent and flavorful breakfast casserole with your loved ones for a special weekend treat!