French Toast with Strawberries

5 from 12 votes

This easy French toast with strawberries is topped with homemade syrup and whipped cream for a sweet, satisfying breakfast or brunch favorite.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Servings: (8 slices)

Calories: 660kcal

Preheat electric griddle to 350ºF (if using), or heat a stovetop griddle or skillet over medium heat.

To a small saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and water, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring frequently (3-5 minutes).
Add sliced strawberries to the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Meanwhile, start preparing the French toast.

In a shallow container like a pie plate or dipping tray, whisk to combine the sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
Melt butter in the preheated electric skillet or pan over medium heat.
Dip each side of the bread in the egg mixture (I let it sit for 15 seconds or so) then place it on the preheated griddle or skillet without crowding.
Cook French toast slices until one side is golden brown, then flip to cook the other side. See Notes below to keep French toast warm until serving.
Just before serving, drizzle slices with strawberry syrup and whipped topping (if using).

Recipe FAQs:

What's the best way to keep French toast warm? Set your oven to 175ºF. and place an oven-safe plate, casserole dish, or baking sheet in the oven.
As soon as each slice of French toast is cooked, transfer it to the oven until you are ready to serve. Covering the plate with a barely damp tea towel will help to prevent the slices from drying out too much.
Can you freeze French toast slices? Yes, you can freeze French toast! It's a fantastic make ahead breakfast idea!
First, allow the slices to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Place them in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until each slice of French toast is frozen. Then, transfer the slices from the baking sheet to a freezer bag or airtight container for freezing for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations

- Cream cheese stuffed French toast: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese between two slices of bread before dipping. Once cooked, top with strawberry syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a rich and creamy twist.

- Balsamic strawberries: Simmer sliced strawberries with a splash of balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of honey for a deeper, slightly tangy flavor. It’s a grown-up version of your favorite childhood breakfast.

- Berry mix topping: Swap out half the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful berry blend. It makes a vibrant topping that adds sweet and tart notes to every bite.

- Toasted coconut topping: After drizzling the strawberry syrup, sprinkle lightly toasted coconut flakes on top. It adds a warm crunch that pairs beautifully with the whipped cream.

TFN Pro Tip

How to Choose Fresh Strawberries

According to California Strawberries, here are a few tips on how to select fresh strawberries:

Choose firm berries that have a bright red color.
Avoid using strawberries that are mushy or have visible mold or black spots.
The freshest ones have bright green caps and green stems that are still intact.

Make Ahead Instructions

It's easy to make ahead. French toast is a simple recipe to make ahead and freeze. The slices are easy to reheat, so, it can be a delicious start to a busy morning or a weekend brunch!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat frozen slices, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Place them on a sheet pan in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375ºF until the slices are warm through the center.
Reheat the strawberry syrup in a small saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Use a wooden spoon to stir it occasionally as it heats up.