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Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Recipe

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3.9 from 6 reviews

This Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast is a decadent, custardy breakfast bake featuring thick slices of challah bread soaked in a rich mixture of sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and warm spices. Baked until golden and crisp around the edges, it’s topped with cinnamon-sugar butter, fresh strawberries, and a luscious whipped cream cheese topping, making it perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.

Ingredients

French Toast Base

  • 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 6 tablespoons cold salted butter, sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
  • Pinch of sea salt

Strawberries

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar (from combined sugars and cinnamon)

Whipped Cream Cheese

  • 6 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Make Custard and Soak Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, 2 tablespoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until fully combined. Submerge each slice of challah bread in the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for at least 1 minute to absorb the flavors and custard.
  3. Arrange and Refrigerate: Lay the soaked bread slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining custard over the top. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance texture and flavor penetration.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar and Strawberries: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar. In another bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to infuse sweetness and spice.
  5. Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the French toast casserole for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp around the edges. In the last 5 minutes of baking, evenly dot the top with the cold butter slices and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar for a beautifully caramelized finish.
  6. Make Whipped Cream Cheese: While the French toast bakes, beat the room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract while continuing to whip until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy whipped cream cheese topping.
  7. Serve: Once baked, serve the French toast warm, topped generously with the cinnamon-spiced strawberries and a dollop of the whipped cream cheese for a rich, indulgent breakfast treat.

Notes

  • Chilling the soaked bread overnight enhances the custard absorption and flavor.
  • Use challah or brioche bread for the best texture and flavor; day-old or slightly stale bread works well.
  • Adjust the cinnamon and sugar quantities based on your sweetness preference.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth whipping.
  • This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.