Description
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat featuring thick slices of brioche or challah bread filled with a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese and fresh strawberries. The stuffed bread is dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, then cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Topped with powdered sugar, extra strawberries, and maple syrup, this French toast offers a delicious balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah works best)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Egg Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries, reserving the rest for topping. Set aside.
- Stuff the Bread. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each slice of bread without slicing all the way through. Generously fill each pocket with the cream cheese and strawberry mixture, pressing gently to seal the edges.
- Make the Egg Custard. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and uniform with no visible egg whites.
- Dip the Stuffed Bread. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but not soaking it long enough to become soggy.
- Cook the French Toast. Place the dipped bread slices onto the heated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. Handle carefully when flipping to avoid breaking the filled pockets.
- Serve. Transfer the cooked French toast to plates, dust generously with powdered sugar, top with the remaining fresh strawberries, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results as it absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for easy spreading and mixing.
- Don’t oversoak the bread in the egg mixture or it will become soggy and fall apart.
- Cook over medium heat to ensure the inside warms through while the outside gets crispy.
- You can prepare the stuffed bread slices the night before and refrigerate, then dip and cook in the morning.
- For extra decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, stuffed French toast, cream cheese French toast, breakfast recipe, brunch, sweet French toast, cinnamon French toast
