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Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast with Strawberries and Cream Recipe

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4.3 from 49 reviews

This decadent Baked Condensed Milk Cinnamon French Toast is a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch treat. Thick slices of challah bread are soaked in a rich custard made from sweetened condensed milk, eggs, milk, and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with cinnamon-sugar coated strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream cheese topping, it delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors that will delight any table.

Ingredients

French Toast Custard and Bread

  • 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: 2 tsp in custard, 1 tsp for strawberries)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided: 1 tsp in custard, 1 tsp for strawberry mixture)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Topping and Garnishes

  • 6 tablespoons cold salted butter, sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries

Whipped Cream Cheese

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish and Custard: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and well combined.
  2. Soak the Bread: Submerge each thick slice of challah bread in the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for at least 1 minute per slice to absorb the flavors fully. Arrange the soaked bread slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Refrigerate: Pour any remaining custard over the arranged bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight to let the custard infuse deeply.
  4. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar and Strawberries: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create cinnamon sugar. In another bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, setting them aside for topping.
  5. Bake the French Toast: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp around the edges. During the last 5 minutes of baking, dot the top of the French toast with the sliced cold butter and sprinkle generously with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for a caramelized finish.
  6. Make the Whipped Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract while whipping until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy cream cheese topping.
  7. Serve: Serve the baked French toast warm, topped generously with the cinnamon sugar coated strawberries and dollops of the whipped cream cheese for a decadent finish.

Notes

  • For best flavor, soak the bread overnight in the custard mixture.
  • Challah bread is recommended for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, but brioche can be substituted.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugars slightly.
  • Use cold butter slices on top at the end of baking to create beautiful caramelized spots.
  • The whipped cream cheese can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.