Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 lb brioche loaf, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, whip the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until velvety. Fold in the strawberry preserves and diced fresh strawberries until the mixture is marbled and thick.
  2. Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until fully emulsified.
  3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
  4. Place half of the brioche slices in the bottom of the dish. Spread the strawberry cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining bread slices.
  5. Pour the custard mixture slowly over the top, pressing down gently with your palms to ensure the liquid penetrates the layers.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top reaches a deep, mahogany-colored crispness.
  7. Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the custard to set before slicing.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.