Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Highlighted under: Golden Bakes
I love starting my mornings with this Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese creates a decadent yet comforting breakfast that makes any day feel special. I enjoy making this recipe on lazy weekends when I can take my time savoring each bite. The caramelized edges of the toast paired with a dusting of powdered sugar elevate this dish to a restaurant-level delight. It’s a wonderful way to surprise loved ones with something truly delightful and indulgent!
When I first tried making stuffed French toast, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple yet delicious it turned out. I experimented with a strawberry and cream cheese filling because strawberries are my all-time favorite fruit. To ensure the cream cheese melts perfectly, I let it soften at room temperature before mixing it with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries, resulting in a delightful filling that’s both creamy and fruity.
I also discovered that soaking the bread in an egg mixture for just the right amount of time creates a custardy inside while allowing the outside to get wonderfully golden. For a fun twist, try adding a hint of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for extra depth of flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy filling bursting with fresh strawberries
- Perfectly caramelized outer layer for a delightful crunch
- Easily customizable to suit your favorite fruits or toppings
Mastering the Art of Stuffing French Toast
To achieve the perfect texture for your stuffed French toast, it's important to use thicker slices of bread, like challah or brioche. These types absorb the egg mixture without falling apart, ensuring a rich and custardy center. When preparing your filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This allows for easy mixing and creates a velvety consistency. If your cream cheese is too cold, it can become lumpy, leading to an uneven filling.
When assembling the toast, don’t skimp on the filling. A generous layer of the cream cheese and strawberry mixture creates a delightful surprise with every bite. I like to press the filling gently to seal the edges, which helps prevent spillage during cooking. It’s also a good idea to let the stuffed sandwiches sit for a couple of minutes before cooking. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture effectively.
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Golden Toast
Cooking your French toast over medium heat is key to achieving that golden, caramelized crust. If the heat is too high, the outside might burn before the inside cooks through. I usually find that a cooking time of about 3-4 minutes per side works well. Keep an eye on the toast; it should be golden brown with crispy edges. If you find the toast is cooking too quickly, lower the heat slightly and flip twice for an even color.
After removing the French toast from the skillet, allowing it to rest for a minute on a wire rack prevents sogginess. If you’re making multiple servings, you can keep them warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) while cooking the remaining batches. This method maintains the toast's warmth without overcooking it, keeping the filling creamy and delicious.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast:
For the French Toast
- 8 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup (optional)
Once you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to make this delicious breakfast treat!
Instructions
Here’s how to make your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast:
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and diced strawberries. Mix until well combined and set aside.
Make the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Assemble the Toast
Spread a generous amount of the filling between two slices of bread, making a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.
Cook the French Toast
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then place in the skillet. Cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve
Once cooked, remove from the skillet, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Enjoy your delicious strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast!
Pro Tips
- For an extra special treat, try adding a splash of orange juice to the egg mixture for a fresh citrusy flavor.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. If strawberries aren't in season, consider swapping them for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. You can also mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest to enhance the fruit's flavor. For a gourmet twist, add a splash of orange liqueur to the filling for an adult version. Additionally, if you're looking for a healthier option, using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free bread can easily be substituted, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this indulgent breakfast dish. If vegan alternatives are needed, consider using plant-based cream cheese and a flaxseed or chia seed mixture in place of eggs in the egg mixture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the filling ahead of time. Simply mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberries and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This makes morning preparation a breeze. When you’re ready to assemble the French toast, simply mix your egg batter, stuff the bread, and cook directly from the fridge. It’s convenient for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Leftover stuffed French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread from becoming tough. Another option is to use the oven; place them on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before mixing with the cream cheese.
→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the filling the day before and store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble.
→ What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut bread like brioche or challah works best for this recipe as it soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart.
→ Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free bread and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
I love starting my mornings with this Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy cheese creates a decadent yet comforting breakfast that makes any day feel special. I enjoy making this recipe on lazy weekends when I can take my time savoring each bite. The caramelized edges of the toast paired with a dusting of powdered sugar elevate this dish to a restaurant-level delight. It’s a wonderful way to surprise loved ones with something truly delightful and indulgent!
What You'll Need
For the French Toast
- 8 slices of thick bread (like challah or brioche)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
For Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup (optional)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and diced strawberries. Mix until well combined and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Spread a generous amount of the filling between two slices of bread, making a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then place in the skillet. Cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once cooked, remove from the skillet, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra special treat, try adding a splash of orange juice to the egg mixture for a fresh citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g