Brioche French Toast with Strawberries

FoodBreakfastStrawberry
Written By Sophia Vincent

Okay, let’s be honest for a second. There are breakfasts you make because you have to eat… and then there are breakfasts you make because you want the whole morning to feel a little softer, slower, and sweeter.

This Brioche French Toast with Strawberries is very much in the second category.

It’s warm.
It’s buttery.
It’s lightly crisp on the edges and soft in the middle.
It smells like vanilla and cozy mornings.
And it feels like something you’d order at a cute brunch café except you’re making it in your pajamas, in your own kitchen, with zero pressure.

This is the kind of breakfast you make when:

  • it’s the weekend and you don’t want to rush

  • you’re hosting friends or family and want something impressive but easy

  • you need a little joy on a random Tuesday

  • you just want to romanticize your morning a bit

And honestly… I think we all deserve more breakfasts like that.

Why Brioche Is The Only Bread I Use For French Toast Now

I used to make French toast with whatever bread I had lying around, like sandwich bread, sourdough, leftover buns, you name it. It worked… but it was never that good.

Then I tried it with brioche and everything changed.

Brioche is:

  • buttery

  • slightly sweet

  • soft but sturdy

  • rich without being heavy

It soaks up the custard mixture like a dream without falling apart. It gets golden and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy and tender inside. And it tastes like it was designed specifically for French toast (because honestly… it kind of was).

If you’ve only ever made French toast with basic white bread, this is your sign to upgrade your life just a little.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

For the Strawberries

For the Whipped Cream

The Strawberry Moment (aka why this topping matters)

Yes, you could eat this French toast plain with just syrup…

But adding strawberries? Game-changer.

They bring:

  • freshness

  • brightness

  • natural sweetness

  • a pop of color that makes the whole plate look like brunch-menu material

Whether you’re slicing fresh strawberries or gently warming them so they release their juices, they cut through the richness of the brioche perfectly.

It’s that sweet-but-not-too-sweet balance that keeps you going back for “just one more bite”… and then somehow your plate is empty.

Ingredients

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature while you prepare the rest. This draws out their juices and creates a lightly sweet, fruity syrup.

Step 2: In a chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on high speed until soft peaks form, about 2–3 minutes. Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 4: Preheat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a knob of butter. Dip each slice of brioche in the custard for about 15–20 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb the mixture without becoming soggy.

Step 5: Cook each slice for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.

Step 6: Plate the warm French toast slices, spoon macerated strawberries on top, and finish with a dollop (or swirl) of whipped cream. Drizzle any leftover strawberry syrup over everything. Optional: garnish with fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

This Is My Go-To “Make Life Feel Special” Breakfast

You know how some recipes just feel like comfort?

This is one of those.

I make this when:

  • I want to slow down and enjoy my morning

  • I’m cooking for someone I love

  • I need a little emotional support in breakfast form

  • I want my kitchen to smell like vanilla and butter

  • I’m pretending I’m in a cozy movie montage

It’s simple enough for a regular morning, but special enough for:

  • Mother’s Day

  • birthdays

  • holiday mornings

  • brunch with friends

  • Valentine’s Day

  • Christmas morning

  • “just because” weekends

It never feels like too much. It always feels exactly right.

What Makes This French Toast Actually Good (not just okay)

Let’s talk about what separates “fine” French toast from “oh wow, I need this again tomorrow” French toast.

The Custard Ratio

You want enough egg mixture to coat the bread without drowning it. The goal is a creamy interior, not soggy toast. This recipe hits that balance perfectly.

Real Vanilla

This isn’t optional. Vanilla is what gives French toast that warm, bakery-style flavor that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.

Gentle Heat

Low to medium heat is key. You want the bread to cook through slowly so it stays soft inside while getting golden on the outside.

Butter In The Pan

Not oil. Butter. Always butter. It adds flavor, color, and that slightly crisp edge that makes every bite better.

When I Love Serving This

Here’s when this recipe shines the most:

Lazy weekend mornings
Coffee in hand. Pajamas still on. No plans. Just vibes.

Brunch with friends
It looks impressive without requiring you to stress in the kitchen.

Holiday breakfasts
It feels festive and special without being heavy.

Breakfast-for-dinner nights
Because French toast at 7pm is elite behavior.

Meal prep mornings
Yes, you can reheat it. And yes, it’s still delicious.

Little Tips That Make It Even Better

If you want to take it to the next level:

  • Use day-old brioche so it soaks up the custard even better

  • Let the bread sit in the mixture for a few extra seconds

  • Cook low and slow for the best texture

  • Warm your syrup before serving

  • Add a tiny pinch of salt to the custard to balance the sweetness

  • Finish with powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra

Make-Ahead + Storage Notes

If you’re planning to prep this in advance or save leftovers:

  • Store cooked French toast in an airtight container in the fridge

  • Reheat in a pan or toaster oven for best texture

  • Store strawberries separately so the toast doesn’t get soggy

  • Make the custard mixture ahead of time and refrigerate overnight

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that feels like a little gift to yourself.

It’s:

  • cozy

  • nostalgic

  • indulgent without being over-the-top

  • simple enough for everyday

  • special enough for celebrations

It turns an ordinary morning into something memorable.

So if you’ve got a loaf of brioche and a carton of strawberries sitting in your kitchen… this is your sign.

Make the French toast.
Pour the syrup.
Sit down for a minute.
Actually enjoy your breakfast.

You deserve that kind of morning.

Looking for more breakfast recipes? Try these!

Yield: 4 servings
Brioche French Toast with Strawberries

Brioche French Toast with Strawberries

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min

This Brioche French Toast with Strawberries is very much in the second category.

It’s warm.

It’s buttery.

It’s lightly crisp on the edges and soft in the middle.

It smells like vanilla and cozy mornings.

And it feels like something you’d order at a cute brunch café except you’re making it in your pajamas, in your own kitchen, with zero pressure.

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the French Toast
For the Strawberries
For the Whipped Cream

Instructions

Notes

Use day-old brioche so it soaks up the custard even better

Let the bread sit in the mixture for a few extra seconds

Cook low and slow for the best texture

Warm your syrup before serving

Add a tiny pinch of salt to the custard to balance the sweetness

Finish with powdered sugar if you’re feeling extra


Nutrition Facts

Carbs

44 g

Cholesterol

280 mg

Fiber

1 g

Fat

32 g

Net carbs

43 g

Sat. Fat

18 g

Sodium

340 mg

Sugar

17 g

Protein

14 g

Calories

513
Sophia Vincent
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