Strawberry French Toast for Mother’s Day Brunch

By : Moiz Blogger | 0 Comments | On : 24/10/2026 | Category : Mother's Day Recipes

Strawberry French toast is an easy, colorful breakfast for Mother’s Day brunch. Slices of bread soak briefly in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, cook until golden and are topped with fresh strawberries. You can make the strawberry topping while the skillet heats.

Recipe at a glance

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12–15 minutes | Total: About 25 minutes | Serves: 4.

Ingredients

• 8 thick slices brioche, challah or sturdy sandwich bread
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1–2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil for cooking
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, optional
• Plain yogurt, extra maple syrup or powdered sugar, optional for serving

Allergens: Contains egg, milk and wheat when made with standard bread. Check bread labels for nuts and other allergens.

How to make strawberry French toast

1. Prepare berries. Wash and hull strawberries, then slice. Toss with lemon juice and optional maple syrup. Set aside while you cook.
2. Mix custard. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a wide shallow dish until evenly combined.
3. Heat skillet. Set a large nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
4. Dip bread. Dip each bread slice briefly on both sides. Sturdy day-old bread may need a few extra seconds, but do not soak until it falls apart.
5. Cook. Place bread in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the egg mixture is cooked through. Reduce heat if the outside browns before the center sets. Cook in batches, adding more butter as needed.
6. Serve. Divide French toast among plates and top with strawberries. Add yogurt or a little maple syrup if desired.

Tips for golden, not soggy, French toast

• Use thick, slightly stale bread to absorb custard without collapsing.
• Whisk eggs thoroughly to avoid streaks of cooked egg.
• Keep the skillet at medium heat for even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches.
• Add strawberries just before serving so toast stays crisp at the edges.

Variations

With blueberries

Use a mixture of strawberries and blueberries for a colorful topping.

With orange zest

Add 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest to the custard for a bright citrus note.

Without added sweetener

Skip maple syrup and use naturally sweet ripe strawberries.

With whole grain bread

Use thick whole grain bread for a nuttier taste; dip slightly longer if the bread is dense.

Mother’s Day brunch menu ideas

Serve with lemon blueberry loaf cake, strawberry cream cheese toast and strawberry yogurt parfait for a mix of warm and cool dishes.

Make-ahead and storage

Slice strawberries and refrigerate them in a covered container up to a day ahead, but add lemon juice near serving for best texture. Cooked French toast should be refrigerated within two hours, or within one hour above 90°F (32°C). Store at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days. Reheat until hot throughout in a skillet, oven or toaster oven. Store strawberry topping separately.

Frequently asked questions

What bread works best for French toast?

Thick brioche, challah and slightly stale sandwich bread are good options because they hold their shape when dipped.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw them safely in the refrigerator and drain excess liquid before serving. They will be softer than fresh berries.

Can I make French toast ahead?

Yes. Cook, cool and refrigerate it, then reheat in a skillet or oven for better texture.

Why is my French toast soggy?

The bread may have soaked too long, the skillet may have been too cool or the slices may have been too thick for the cooking time.

Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes. Unsweetened plant-based milk can replace dairy milk, although the recipe still contains eggs unless otherwise adapted.

Editorial note

Original editorial recipe guidance, not a claim of independently kitchen-tested results. Bread thickness and stove heat affect cooking time. Any featured photograph is illustrative.