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strawberries and cream french toast

Strawberries and Cream French Toast Squares

recipe by kitchn.com (shared by Bottger Mansion of Old Town Bed & Breakfast)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Breakfast
Servings 10 people

Ingredients
  

macerated strawberries

  • 1 pound strawberries washed, hulled and quartered
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

casserole

  • 1 loaf challah 16 ounces
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cut in 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 cup strawberry jam divided (use half for each layer)
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • powdered sugar for topping

Instructions
 

Macerated strawberries

  • Make the macerated strawberries: Place strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a large bowl and stir well until combined and the berries are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Casserole

  • Place a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350 F degrees. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet Toast until dry and very lightly golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Coat a 9 x 13 inch or 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Add half of the bread to the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Arrange the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the layer of bread. Using a small spoon, dollop half of the jam evenly over the bread. Arrange the remaining bread in an even layer over the jam.
  • Place the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla and salt in a large bowl and whisk until fully combined. Pour evenly over the bread, then gently press down with your hands to make sure all of the bread gets saturated. Dollop the remaining jam evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  • When ready to bake, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350 F degrees. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit while the oven is heating.
  • Uncover and bake until the casserole is set, puffed, and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to cool for at least 5 minutes. Right before serving, stir the macerated strawberries and evenly spoon over the top of the casserole. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.