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Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Bake Recipe

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  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Bake is a delightful and indulgent breakfast casserole featuring chocolate brioche bread soaked in a rich custard infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Layered with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors, ideal for brunch or a special morning treat.

Ingredients

French Toast Bake

  • 6 cups Chocolate Brioche Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Vanilla Creamer
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup Strawberries, diced and stem removed (reserve some for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
  • Whipped Cream, for serving
  • Maple Syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Dry the Bread: Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Set aside for 2 hours to allow the bread to dry out and become slightly stale, which helps it absorb the custard better.
  2. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla creamer, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Slice Strawberries: Slice the strawberries and set aside for folding into the bread mixture later.
  4. Combine Bread, Strawberries, and Custard: Add the dried chocolate brioche bread cubes, sliced strawberries, and chocolate chips to the bowl with the custard mixture. Gently fold everything together until the bread is thoroughly coated with the custard mixture.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and press it down lightly to form an even layer.
  8. Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check at the 35-minute mark; the bake should be golden brown and set in the center. If not done, continue baking a few minutes longer until fully cooked through.
  9. Cool and Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and let the French toast bake cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
  10. Serve: Cut into individual servings. Top each serving with whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, leftover strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor and indulgence.

Notes

  • Allowing the bread cubes to dry out helps prevent sogginess and ensures they soak up the custard properly.
  • Refrigeration time can be extended overnight for more flavor absorption and a custard-soaked texture.
  • Use chocolate brioche for a rich chocolate flavor, but other brioche breads can be substituted if preferred.
  • To make ahead, assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/chocolate-strawberry-french-toast-bake-recipe/