The Perfect June Brunch: Strawberries & Cream French Toast

There’s something magical about June. This month provides warm air, long days, and sweet strawberries, to name a few highlights. June days wrap around our skin with a sun-kissed glow that brings a smile to every face. One great way to enhance a summer early morning or brunch palette is to serve up a delicious offering. Today, we have highlighted the perfect summer selection.

For a showstopping brunch centerpiece, nothing beats Strawberries & Cream French Toast. This dish combines pillowy brioche, a luscious strawberry sauce, and clouds of whipped cream for a breakfast that feels like dessert, but is fresh and vibrant enough for a sunny morning.

Why This French Toast Is Perfect for Summer

• Seasonal Strawberries: Early summer brings strawberries at their juiciest and most flavorful.
• Light, Fluffy Cream: Whipped cream (with a hint of almond or vanilla) keeps things airy and indulgent.
• Golden Brioche: Thick slices of brioche soak up the custard for a rich, tender bite.
• Easy to Scale: Make a big batch for a crowd or a few slices for an intimate gathering.

Recipe: Strawberries & Cream French Toast

What you need:

For the Whipped Cream

• ⅔ cup heavy cream, very cold
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract)

For the Strawberry Sauce

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the French Toast

• 8 slices brioche bread (or thick-cut white bread)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Butter, for cooking

What you need to do:

1. Make the Whipped Cream

• In a chilled bowl, whip together heavy cream, sugar, and almond extract until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

• Toss strawberries with flour.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, strawberries, and sugar.
• Once butter melts, reduce heat to low and simmer for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and darkens. Set aside.

3. Prepare the French Toast

• In a wide, shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, almond extract, and flour until smooth.
• Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and melt a tablespoon of butter.
• Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, letting it soak briefly on both sides. Let the excess drip off.
• Cook each slice for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

4. Assemble and Serve

• Stack the French toast on plates.
• Spoon over the warm strawberry sauce.
• Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
• Garnish with extra fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Summer Brunch

• Use Chilled Cream: Cold cream and a cold bowl whip up faster and fluffier.
• Brioche or Challah: These breads are rich, soft, and perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
• Make Ahead: The strawberry sauce and whipped cream can be made a few hours ahead. French toast is best cooked fresh.
• Optional Additions: A sprinkle of toasted almonds, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar elevates the presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Strawberries & Cream French Toast is everything a June brunch should be: fresh, vibrant, and just a little decadent. The tart-sweet strawberry sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy topping, while the golden brioche provides a buttery, custardy base. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a lazy weekend morning, this recipe will bring summer sunshine to your table.

Happy brunching-and don’t forget to savor every bite of summer!