Overnight Baked Strawberry French Toast

Ingredients

Serves

Conversion

Metric

Imperial

See Egg Size Converter

1 large crusty unsliced loaf of bread (about 450 g), day old

1 container (250 g) light strawberry cream cheese

1/4 cup light strawberry jam

12 egg

2 cup milk (1%)

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

Icing sugar (optional)

6 tbsp maple syrup

This strawberry French toast is great for a kids’ sleepover or when hosting guests from out of town. Make the day before for an easy breakfast or brunch the following morning that will get their day started right.

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2

Cut bread into 12 slices approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness. Make a pocket in each slice by cutting slices in half horizontally leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) uncut.
Step 3

Combine cream cheese and jam. Spread about 2 tbsp (30 mL) cream cheese mixture into each bread pocket. Place in two 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pans.
Step 4

Whisk eggs, milk, almond extract and vanilla extract in large bowl. Pour equal amount of egg mixture into each pan. Turn slices over. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Step 5

Spray 15 x 10-inch (38 x 25 cm) baking sheet with cooking spray. Place bread slices on baking sheet.
Step 6

Bake in preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 minutes; turn over and bake until brown, about 10 minutes longer.
Step 7

Sift icing sugar over French toast, if desired, and serve with maple syrup.

Tips

When making French toast, use bread that is at least one day old. If bread is too fresh, it will absorb too much of the liquid, become soggy and lose its shape.