Name: Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French Bread; 6 large eggs; 2.5 cups milk; 0.75 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup sliced strawberries; 1 cup sliced rhubarb; 0.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoons salt; 0.5 cups cold butter, cut into pieces; to taste Maple syrup for serving

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There’s something magical about weekend mornings, especially when they revolve around delicious food. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast wafting through your home. This dish brings together the delightful tang of rhubarb and the sweetness of strawberries, creating a breakfast that feels like a treat. Growing up, our family made this dish a tradition for special occasions, and it always seemed to bring everyone together around the table, smiling and sharing stories. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, and all you have to do in the morning is pop it into the oven and enjoy the anticipation. It’s the perfect way to start a day, whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a celebratory brunch with friends.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
55 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
10 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Baking pan, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Saran wrap

What’s Great About This Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast

Comforting Flavors

One of the things I love most about making Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is the comforting flavors that come together. The combination of French Bread, eggs, and milk creates a luxurious, custardy base, while the strawberries and rhubarb add a burst of flavor that dances on your tongue. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy that leaves you wanting more.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can assemble everything the night before and let it soak in the fridge. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors, ensuring a moist and flavorful breakfast. When you wake up, simply pop it into the oven, and you can spend the time you’d spend cooking enjoying your morning coffee instead!

Impressive Presentation

There’s no denying that Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast looks impressive when served. The golden-brown top with the vibrant colors of the roasted strawberries and rhubarb peeking through makes it visually stunning. It’s the kind of dish that you’d be proud to serve at a brunch gathering, and your guests will think you slaved all morning in the kitchen.

Versatile Serving Options

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a sweet breakfast dish, or transform it into a dessert by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzling warm maple syrup over the top adds a delightful touch that takes it to the next level. You can also experiment with different fruits depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Family Tradition

For me, Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It reminds me of family gatherings and the joy of sharing meals together. Every bite is a reminder of those cherished moments, making it a dish that I love to share with others.

Healthy Ingredients

While it tastes indulgent, you can feel good about the ingredients in this recipe. With wholesome eggs, fresh fruits, and no artificial flavors, it’s a breakfast that you can enjoy without guilt. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fruit into your morning routine!

Ingredients to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast

When it comes to creating a delightful dish like Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast, the ingredients play a crucial role. Each component brings its unique flair, and together, they create a perfect harmony of flavors. The key players in this recipe include the rich French bread, which forms the base, and the vibrant strawberries and rhubarb, which provide that refreshing burst of flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast treat.

1 loaf French Bread – The star ingredient that gives this dish its wonderful texture. When torn into chunks, it soaks up the custard beautifully, resulting in a perfectly moist and delicious base.
6 large eggs – Essential for creating the custard that binds everything together, providing richness and depth of flavor.
2 1/2 cups milk – Adds creaminess to the custard; whole milk or even a blend can be used for varying richness.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard and balances the tartness of the rhubarb and strawberries.
1 teaspoon orange zest – Infuses a hint of citrus flavor that brightens up the dish.
2 tablespoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, fragrant quality to the custard.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – A classic spice that complements the sweetness of the bread and fruits.
1 cup sliced strawberries – Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
1 cup sliced rhubarb – Tart and slightly tangy, it contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Used in the crumb topping, it adds texture and structure.
1/2 cup brown sugar – Gives a rich sweetness to the crumb topping, enhancing the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Again, to deepen the flavor profile of the topping.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces – Provides richness and a lovely crumbly texture for the topping.
Maple syrup – For serving, it adds a sweet finish to this delicious breakfast.

Recipe Steps for Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast

Cooking the Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is truly a journey of delightful aromas and textures. It’s a straightforward process, and I can assure you, every step is worth the wait. Let’s dive into the details!

Start by preparing your baking dish. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and your French toast comes out easily.
Next, take your French bread and tear it into chunks or cut it into cubes. Place these pieces evenly in the prepared pan. This step is crucial as it creates the foundation of your dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and milk. Whisk them together until well integrated.
In a separate small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the sugar and zest together; this releases the oils in the zest and makes the mixture fragrant and tasty. Then, add this to the egg mixture.
Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the cinnamon. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined, creating a creamy custard.
Now, pour this delicious custard evenly over the chunks of bread in the baking pan. This ensures every piece gets coated in that luscious mixture.
In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries and rhubarb. Spread this fruity mixture evenly over the custard-soaked bread. Use a spoon to gently poke the strawberries and rhubarb down into the bread. This helps them to mix and meld together while baking.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more the bread will soak up the custard. Ideally, let it rest for several hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures an even bake and helps achieve that golden top.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, another teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a fork or your hands to cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles sand with a few pea-sized chunks.
Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top. This step adds a delicious crunch to your dish.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the French toast is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
Once baked, serve the Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Use stale bread: For the best results, use day-old or stale French bread. It absorbs the custard better, ensuring a moist dish without getting soggy.
Cover while baking: If the top of your French toast is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook.
Customize the fruit: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or peaches, depending on what you have available or your personal preferences.
Let it rest: Allowing the French toast to rest for a few hours or overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste.

Recipe Notes about Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast

Preparing Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure you make the most of it.

Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re delicious reheated in the microwave or oven!
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked French toast. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal.
Variations: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist on flavor and texture.
Serving size: When serving, plan for about one piece per person, but feel free to adjust based on appetite!

Serving This Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast

Serving Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Here are some ideas for making your dish truly shine:

Garnish: Top each serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to add a touch of elegance.
Fresh Fruits: Consider serving with additional fresh strawberries or rhubarb on the side for a colorful presentation.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for special occasions like brunches, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts.
Drink Pairings: Serve with freshly brewed coffee, herbal teas, or even a refreshing mimosa for a festive touch.
Leftover Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They make for a quick breakfast the next day!
Seasonal Options: Feel free to adjust the fruits used based on the seasons — peaches in summer or apples in fall are delightful substitutes!

FAQ

Absolutely! In fact, making Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast ahead of time is one of its best features. You can assemble it the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy a leisurely morning without the stress of last-minute preparation.

Yes! You can definitely use frozen strawberries or rhubarb for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mixing them into the custard. Frozen fruit will work just as well, and it’s a great option if fresh fruit isn’t available.

This dish is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate it, consider serving it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. You could even add a side of Greek yogurt for some extra protein. It’s versatile enough to fit any brunch spread!

To store leftovers of Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast, simply place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for breakfast the next day, and you can reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This makes for a convenient and delicious breakfast option!

Conclusion

Strawberry Rhubarb Baked French Toast is a breakfast experience that stands out for its unique combination of flavors and comforting qualities. With the ability to prepare it ahead of time, you can enjoy a stress-free morning while still serving something incredibly delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s one you’ll want to share with friends and family!