Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast: My Favorite (Print Version)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast: Your new favorite brunch! Enjoy this easy, sweet, and creamy recipe. Perfect for a special morning treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ French Toast Base

01 - 8 slices thick-cut bread (Brioche or Challah preferred)
02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

→ Cream Cheese Filling

08 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
10 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Goodness

11 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
13 - Maple syrup, for drizzling

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get that dreamy cream cheese filling ready. In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give it a good whip with a spoon or a hand mixer until it's super smooth and creamy. You want it light and fluffy, no lumps allowed! This is where the magic starts, honestly. I always taste it here, just to make sure it's perfect for your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. Don't worry if you get a little on your finger, that's just quality control!
02 - Now for the fun part! Take four slices of your lovely brioche or challah bread. Spread a generous, but not *too* generous (remember my oops moment?), layer of that cream cheese mixture onto one side of each slice. Then, sprinkle half of your diced fresh strawberries over the cream cheese on those four slices. Top each with another slice of bread, creating four delicious sandwiches. Gently press them together. You want them sealed, but not squished, you know? This is what makes it truly stuffed French toast, after all!
03 - In a shallow dish (something wide enough to dunk your bread!), whisk together your eggs, milk (or half-and-half, my fav!), 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk it until it’s all combined and slightly frothy. This is your golden bath for the bread! I always give it a sniff; that vanilla and cinnamon combo just smells like pure comfort. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white—we want a smooth, even soak!
04 - Carefully place one stuffed French toast sandwich into the egg custard, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. You don't want it soggy, just nicely saturated. It’s a delicate balance, honestly! If your bread is super fresh, you might need less time; if it's a little stale, it can handle more. I usually press down ever-so-gently to help it absorb. This step is crucial for that perfectly custardy interior of your stuffed French toast.
05 - Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt about a tablespoon of butter until it's shimmering and slightly browned—that’s where the flavor comes from! Carefully transfer your soaked French toast to the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's beautifully golden brown and the cream cheese filling is warm and gooey. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Patience is key here, resist the urge to flip too early!
06 - Once your French toast is golden and glorious, transfer it to plates. Now for the grand finale! Dust generously with powdered sugar—I love how it looks like fresh fallen snow. Then, drizzle with plenty of maple syrup. You can add a few extra fresh strawberries on top for a pop of color and freshness. Slice it diagonally, and watch that creamy, berry-filled center reveal itself. It's truly a sight to behold, and the smell? Oh, the smell is just divine!

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling!
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven for best texture, avoid the microwave.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Challah bread makes a fantastic substitute if you can't find brioche.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: Add a side of crispy bacon for that perfect sweet and savory balance!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - shallow dish (for custard)
03 - whisk
04 - non-stick skillet or griddle
05 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 18g

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