Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the childhood nostalgia of French toast with a modern twist—creamy, sweet strawberries nestled between luscious slices of brioche. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating a decadent breakfast sandwich that feels like a brunch treat without having to leave the comfort of my own kitchen.
I adore making over-the-top breakfasts, and my Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a personal favorite. I employ thick-cut brioche and stuff it liberally with a creamy mixture of soft cream cheese and sliced strawberries.
Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and a whisper of vanilla, it’s a breakfast confection that’s more dessert than standard morning fare.
Ingredients
Brioche or Challah Bread:
Abundant in carbs, giving a soft, creamy, buttery feel.
Fresh Strawberries:
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing a sweet, tangy flavor.
Cream Cheese:
Offers a protein source, with a bit of creaminess and a hint of tang.
Powdered Sugar:
Imparts sweetness with a smooth texture that integrates effortlessly.
Eggs:
Crucial for binding, abundant in protein, and replete with nutritionally valuable fats.
Cinnamon:
Adds warmth and depth; recognized for its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Granulated Sugar:
Balances savory notes by sweetening the egg mixture.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
3. Slice two pieces of the thick-cut bread and slather on a plentiful portion of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice.
4. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of each slice to complete the sandwich assembly process.
5. In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon, and whisk until the mixture is well combined.
6. Warm a frying pan or griddle over a medium flame and add a small pat of butter to coat the bottom.
7. Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, and then place it onto the heated skillet.
8. For approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, cook the sandwiches or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
9. Take the French toast sandwiches out of the skillet and place them on a dish to cool slightly.
10. Serve right away, drizzled with pure maple syrup and any other additional fresh strawberries you might wish to add.
Equipment Needed
1. Medium bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Shallow dish
6. Whisk
7. Frying pan or griddle
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Plate for cooling
11. Spatula for flipping
12. Serving dish
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of bread?Q: Can I use any other thick bread if I don’t have brioche or challah?
- Q: Is it possible to use frozen strawberries?It is recommended that you use fresh strawberries for the best texture, but if you can’t find them, thawed frozen strawberries will work just fine. Just make sure to drain the berries well.
- Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?If you want to make the recipe vegan, you can substitute the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use plant-based milk.
- Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: The cream cheese filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For best results, put the French toast together and cook it just before serving.
- Q: What can I use instead of powdered sugar?If you prefer, you can sweeten the cream cheese with honey or maple syrup.
- Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?Yes, simply use your preferred gluten-free bread in place of the thick-cut bread.
Substitutions and Variations
You can use Texas toast or sourdough for bread that is thickly cut.
Replace fresh strawberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries.
Substitute mascarpone or ricotta cheese for cream cheese.
Instead of using vanilla extract, use almond extract for a different flavor.
For a dairy-free alternative, replace milk with almond milk or oat milk.
Pro Tips
1. Ensure Even Coating: When dipping the sandwiches into the egg mixture, try to do so quickly but thoroughly to prevent the bread from getting too soggy while ensuring it is evenly coated. You might place the sandwiches on a wire rack for a few seconds afterward to let any excess drip off before cooking.
2. Cream Cheese Softness: Make sure the cream cheese is well-softened before mixing with the powdered sugar and vanilla. You can achieve this by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwaving it for a few seconds. This will make it easier to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
3. Bread Selection: Use slightly stale bread or leave the bread slices out for a couple of hours before making the recipe. This will help the bread absorb the egg mixture without falling apart, leading to heartier, more flavorful French toast sandwiches.
4. Temperature Control: Cook the sandwiches on medium heat to ensure that the bread cooks evenly without burning while allowing enough time for the creamy filling to heat thoroughly. Adjust the stove’s heat as needed to maintain a perfect golden brown crust.
5. Extra Flavor: For an added flavor dimension, consider adding a small pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-egg mixture. This spice pairs well with cinnamon and can enhance the overall taste of the French toast.
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe
My favorite Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium bowl
2. Mixing spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Shallow dish
6. Whisk
7. Frying pan or griddle
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Plate for cooling
11. Spatula for flipping
12. Serving dish
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
3. Slice two pieces of the thick-cut bread and slather on a plentiful portion of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on one side of each slice.
4. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of each slice to complete the sandwich assembly process.
5. In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon, and whisk until the mixture is well combined.
6. Warm a frying pan or griddle over a medium flame and add a small pat of butter to coat the bottom.
7. Quickly dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, and then place it onto the heated skillet.
8. For approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, cook the sandwiches or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is warmed through.
9. Take the French toast sandwiches out of the skillet and place them on a dish to cool slightly.
10. Serve right away, drizzled with pure maple syrup and any other additional fresh strawberries you might wish to add.