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- 8 slices of thick bread (challah or brioche are best) - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 cup whole milk for creaminess - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for flavor - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth - 2 tablespoons butter, for frying - Maple syrup, for serving To start, you need to make the cream cheese filling. Grab a medium mixing bowl. In it, combine 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once that is done, gently fold in the sliced strawberries. This adds a sweet and fruity flavor. Set this delightful filling aside for later. Next, let’s make the egg mixture. Take a large bowl and whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. You want a frothy texture, which helps coat the bread nicely. Now, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Take one slice of thick bread. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on one side. Then, place a second slice of bread on top to complete the sandwich. Repeat this process for all the slices until you have four stuffed sandwiches. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. This helps create a nice, golden crust. Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated, but don’t soak them too long. Place the soaked sandwiches onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. If you want, add more butter to the skillet between batches. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches and place them on a serving plate. Dust the tops lightly with extra powdered sugar. Enjoy your warm strawberry cream cheese French toast right away! To cook the best French toast, set your skillet to medium heat. This helps the toast cook evenly. If it’s too hot, the outside burns while the inside stays raw. Avoid soggy bread by keeping the bread in the egg mix for a short time. Just dip it quickly on each side. This way, your toast keeps its shape and texture. For a richer taste, add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling. This brightens the flavor and pairs well with strawberries. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for crunch. When serving, consider toppings like whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey. These add extra flavor and make the dish even more special. For a beautiful stack, place one piece slightly off-center on top of the others. This creates height and looks inviting. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds color and makes your French toast dish pop visually. {{image_4}} You can change the fruit filling in this recipe. Try using blueberries or bananas. They add a new twist to your French toast. These fruits pair well with cream cheese. You can also use different spreads. Nutella provides a rich chocolate flavor. Mascarpone gives a creamy and slightly tangy taste. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect bite! If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. You won’t miss the regular bread at all! For dairy-free choices, use vegan cream cheese. These swaps keep the recipe delicious and friendly for all diets. Enjoy this French toast, no matter your needs! You can bake this French toast instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. This method makes it easier to cook a larger batch. Another option is using an air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F. Cook each stuffed sandwich for about 8-10 minutes. The air fryer gives you a lighter version while keeping that crispy texture. These methods help you enjoy this treat in different ways! To store leftover French toast, let it cool down first. Place the slices in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you preserve the taste and texture. For the strawberry cream cheese, keep it in a separate container. It stays fresh for about two days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. You can reheat French toast in two main ways: the microwave or the oven. The microwave is quick but may make the toast soggy. For better results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the toast crispy and warm. Add a little butter to enhance the flavor. To freeze stuffed French toast, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the oven for best results. This way, you maintain the texture and taste. The French toast is done when it turns a perfect golden brown color. Look for a crisp outside and a soft inside. The edges should be firm, but the center will remain tender. You can also check if it is lightly puffed up. This shows that the egg mixture has cooked properly. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Make the cream cheese filling and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also assemble the sandwiches a few hours before cooking. Just keep them covered so they don’t dry out. When ready, dip and cook them fresh for the best taste. If you need an alternative for cream cheese, consider using mascarpone or ricotta. Greek yogurt is also a good choice for a lighter option. Each will give a unique flavor, but they still work great in this recipe. Just be sure to mix in some powdered sugar for sweetness. This blog post covered how to create a delicious strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast. We explored main ingredients, including thick bread and fresh strawberries. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure perfect cooking. You can modify the recipe for various dietary needs, and I offered storage advice for leftovers. In conclusion, this dish is a tasty way to start your day. Try it out, and you may find a new favorite breakfast!

Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe. Made with thick slices of bread, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, it's the perfect treat for any morning. Learn how to whip up this scrumptious dish in just 30 minutes, complete with tips for presentation. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your breakfast into a delicious celebration!
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of thick bread (suggestions: challah or brioche for a rich flavor)

4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

4 large eggs, ideally at room temperature

1 cup whole milk for creaminess

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for flavor enhancement

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth

2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Maple syrup (for serving, as desired)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly mixed throughout. Set this delightful filling aside.

    Make the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 4 eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well combined with a frothy texture.

      Assemble the Sandwiches: Take one slice of the thick bread and generously spread a portion of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on one side. Place a second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Repeat this process for all slices until you have four stuffed sandwiches ready.

        Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and evenly coat the bottom of the pan.

          Coat the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, but avoid soaking them excessively to maintain structure.

            Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked sandwiches onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color. If desired, add more butter to the skillet between batches to keep everything flavorful.

              Finishing Touches: Once cooked to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Lightly dust the tops with additional powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

                Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm strawberry cream cheese French toast immediately, drizzled with maple syrup and adorned with extra sliced strawberries on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Stack the French toast with a slight offset for height on a large platter. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an inviting and attractive presentation. Enjoy this decadent breakfast treat!