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- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (challah or brioche works best) - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for garnish) - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1/2 tsp fine salt - 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking) - Maple syrup (for serving) - Additional strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar (for garnish) If you want to swap out some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - You can use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling. - Swap out fresh strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. - If you need a dairy-free option, try almond milk in place of whole milk. - Use coconut sugar or honey instead of powdered sugar for a different sweetness. - For the bread, gluten-free bread works well as a substitute. To make the best stuffed French toast, pick your bread wisely. Here are some tips to help you choose: - Thickness: Go for thick-cut bread. It holds more filling and soaks up the egg mixture better. - Type: Brioche and challah are sweet and soft. They create a rich flavor and texture. - Freshness: Use bread that is a day or two old. Fresh bread may become too soggy. - Texture: Look for a slightly crusty exterior. It helps create a nice crispy edge when cooked. Pick the right bread, and your French toast will shine! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ingredients for the filling. You need cream cheese, sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. In a medium bowl, add 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Then, mix in 1 cup of thinly sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract. Use a spatula or an electric mixer to blend everything until it becomes smooth. Make sure the strawberries are well mixed in. This filling adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your French toast. Now, let’s make the sandwiches. Take 4 slices of thick-cut bread, like challah or brioche, for the best taste. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on one slice. Place another slice on top to form a sandwich. Press down gently to keep the filling inside. Repeat this with the other slices until you have four sandwiches ready to cook. Next, it’s time to cook the sandwiches. Start by making the egg mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of salt until it’s well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once the butter is hot, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture. Make sure to soak each side for a few seconds. This helps the bread absorb the custard. Place the soaked sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once cooked, let them rest for a minute before slicing. This helps the filling set. Cut each sandwich in half and serve warm with maple syrup and extra strawberries. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get the best texture for your French toast, use thick-cut bread. I recommend challah or brioche. These breads soak up the egg mixture well. They also get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and helps it blend smoothly with the strawberries. If your filling is smooth, it spreads easily. This helps create a nice balance in each bite. One common mistake is not soaking the bread long enough. Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side. This gives you that rich, custardy flavor. Another mistake is cooking at too high a heat. If your skillet is too hot, the outside can burn while the inside stays raw. Keep it on medium heat for the best results. Lastly, don’t skip the resting step after cooking. Letting the French toast rest for a minute helps the filling set. This makes it easier to slice and serve. For extra flavor, drizzle warm maple syrup over your stuffed French toast. It adds sweetness and pairs well with strawberries. You can also top it with more fresh strawberries. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it look pretty too. For a fun twist, try adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A sprig of mint also adds a fresh touch. If you want something different, serve it with a side of yogurt. This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Using thick-cut challah or brioche will enhance the sweetness and texture of your French toast, making it extra indulgent. Soak Properly: Allow your sandwiches to soak in the egg mixture for just enough time to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy, ensuring they cook evenly. Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat helps achieve a golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside is fully cooked and creamy. Garnish Creatively: Elevate your dish with fresh strawberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a sprig of mint for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your French toast by adding other fruits. Try using blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas. You can mix these fruits with the cream cheese filling. They will add sweetness and a burst of flavor. You can also try using different fillings like Nutella or peanut butter. These options can make your breakfast even more exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free bread. Many stores sell gluten-free bread that tastes great. Make sure to check labels to ensure it is truly gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You can still enjoy this tasty dish without gluten. To make this dish vegan, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative. Look for vegan cream cheese in stores. You can also use plant milk instead of whole milk. For the eggs, try using a flaxseed egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This way, you can enjoy a vegan version of this lovely dish. To keep your stuffed French toast fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the toast cool first. Layer parchment paper between slices to avoid sticking. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra filling, store it separately in a smaller container. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each piece for about 30-45 seconds. Just be careful not to make it too soggy. If you want to save your French toast for later, freezing works well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to two months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty treat again! Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Mix the cream cheese, strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then store it in the fridge. You should assemble the sandwiches just before cooking. This keeps the bread fresh and the filling creamy. Many toppings pair well with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Whipped cream adds a light touch. - Sliced bananas give a sweet twist. - Chopped nuts add crunch. - A drizzle of chocolate syrup brings indulgence. - Fresh mint leaves add freshness and color. Check for a golden-brown color on both sides. The edges should feel firm, and the center should be set. You can also use a toothpick to test. If it comes out clean, your French toast is ready! Cooking time is about 3-4 minutes per side. Enjoy your delicious creation! This blog post covered how to make Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. We explored the best ingredients, cooking tips, and even easy substitutions. Remember to choose the right bread for a great texture. Avoid common mistakes, and try variations with other fruits. Lastly, store and reheat leftovers well for later enjoyment. You’ll impress anyone with this simple recipe. Enjoy making this tasty treat!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Deliciously sweet and creamy stuffed French toast filled with fresh strawberries and cream cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices thick-cut bread (preferably challah or brioche)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin
  • 1 4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for garnishing)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 2 cup fine salt
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
  • 1 to taste Maple syrup (for serving)
  • 1 to taste Additional strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Take 4 slices of thick-cut bread and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on each slice. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and frothy.
  • Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface.
  • Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, soaking for a few seconds on each side.
  • Place the soaked sandwiches onto the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Remove the French toast from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute.
  • Cut each stuffed French toast sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm with maple syrup and garnished with extra strawberries and powdered sugar.

Notes

Serve on a vibrant plate with extra strawberries and a drizzle of syrup for a gourmet touch.
Keyword breakfast, cream cheese, French toast, strawberry