Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast

$- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced (about 12-14 slices) - 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup mascarpone cheese - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Butter for greasing the baking dish - Optional: Whipped cream and additional strawberries for serving The key to making Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast is using the right ingredients. Brioche bread gives a soft and sweet base. Cream cheese and mascarpone create a rich and creamy filling. Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and color. The powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese mixture. Eggs and whole milk form the custard that soaks into the bread. Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon enhance the taste. Lastly, lemon zest adds a fresh zing. Make sure to have all these items ready before you start. This will help you work smoothly and enjoy the process. - Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until smooth. This mixture gives the French toast its cheesecake flavor. - Assemble the base layer: Take your 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it well with butter. Lay half of the sliced brioche bread snugly in the dish. Make sure the slices fit tightly but do not overlap. - Spread cream cheese mixture: Take half of your cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly across the brioche slices. This adds a creamy layer of flavor. - Distribute strawberries: Next, sprinkle half of the sliced strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Press them gently to make sure they stick and spread out nicely. - Complete the layering with remaining ingredients: Now, add the rest of the brioche slices on top of the strawberries. Repeat the process: spread the remaining cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining strawberries. Make sure everything is even for the best taste. - Prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread: In another bowl, crack 4 large eggs and whisk them with 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and strawberries. Gently press down with a fork or spatula to help the bread soak up the mixture. This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast that you can enjoy for breakfast or brunch! Choosing the right bread is key. Use a loaf of brioche bread. Brioche is soft and sweet, making it perfect for French toast. You can also try challah for a similar taste. Letting the bread soak overnight is crucial. This helps the bread absorb the creamy mixture. It also makes the final dish soft and flavorful. If you’re short on time, soak for at least 4 hours. Top your French toast with whipped cream for a light touch. Fresh strawberries add color and flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup for sweetness. You can even sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for brightness. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. This adds a lovely touch to your dish. Place everything on a nice plate to make it stand out. Be careful not to rush the soaking process. If the bread doesn't soak enough, it may turn out dry. Pressing the bread down gently helps it absorb the liquid better. When baking, ensure your oven is preheated. This helps the French toast cook evenly. Avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can cause uneven baking. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your tastes. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding chocolate chips or nuts: Fold in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts. They add a nice crunch and extra flavor. - Alternative fruit options: Try using blueberries, raspberries, or even bananas instead of strawberries. Each fruit gives a unique twist. Making this dish fit your diet is simple. Here are a couple of ideas: - Gluten-free bread alternatives: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Look for brands that hold up well when soaked. - Vegan adaptations: Swap out the eggs and dairy with plant-based options. Use almond milk, vegan cream cheese, and a flaxseed mixture for the eggs. You can cook this recipe in different ways. Here are two options: - Slow cooker method: This method is easy. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours. You will get a soft, creamy dish. - Air fryer option: If you want a crispy texture, use the air fryer. Cook in batches at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness, and enjoy a crunchy outside with a soft inside. To store leftovers, first let the dish cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents the dish from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days for the best taste. To freeze, cut the French toast into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. In the fridge, your Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast stays fresh for about three days. If you freeze it, it will last for up to three months. Just remember to label your bags with the date. Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast needs to chill for at least 4 hours. However, I prefer to let it sit overnight. This gives the bread time to soak up all the yummy flavors. The longer it chills, the better it tastes! Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the layers. This helps keep your French toast from getting soggy. Frozen strawberries can still give you great flavor! If you can't find mascarpone cheese, use cream cheese as a substitute. You can mix the cream cheese with a bit of heavy cream to mimic the texture. This swap will change the flavor slightly. It will still be creamy and delicious! This blog post covered how to make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast. We explored the tasty ingredients, and I shared tips for perfecting your dish. You learned about serving options, mistakes to avoid, and variations to try. In conclusion, enjoy your unique twist on breakfast, and be creative with flavors. Each bite of this dish is worth the effort. Happy cooking!$

Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast

Indulge in a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight French Toast that's perfect for any breakfast or brunch! With layers of creamy mascarpone and fresh strawberries, this recipe is easy to prepare the night before and bake in the morning. Say goodbye to early-morning stress and hello to a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced (about 12-14 slices)

8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

1/2 teaspoon salt

Butter for greasing the baking dish

Optional: Whipped cream and additional strawberries for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Set aside.

Assemble the Base Layer: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter. Lay half of the sliced brioche bread in a single layer along the bottom of the dish, ensuring the slices are snugly fitting but not overlapping.

Layer the Cream Cheese and Strawberries: Spread half of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the brioche slices. Following this, distribute half of the sliced strawberries across the cream cheese layer, pressing them gently for an even distribution.

Complete the Layering: Place the remaining brioche slices on top of the strawberries. Then, repeat the layering process with the rest of the cream cheese mixture and the remaining sliced strawberries, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed for a delicious bite.

Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them together with the whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.

Soak the Bread: Gently pour the egg mixture over the assembled layers of brioche and strawberries. Make sure the liquid is evenly poured, allowing all pieces of bread to absorb the mixture. You may gently press down on the bread with a fork or spatula to ensure maximum soaking.

Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. If time is limited, allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to soak up the flavors.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap from the dish and place it in the oven. Bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve: After baking, let the dish cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and extra fresh strawberries if desired for a delightful finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes (plus overnight chilling) | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve the French toast in a decorative dish with fresh mint leaves as garnish for a pop of color. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.