Print

Decadent Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast - featured image

A rich and indulgent stuffed French toast recipe featuring a creamy cream cheese and strawberry filling, perfect for a leisurely brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf thick sliced challah or brioche bread (about 12 slices)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) strawberry preserves or fresh mashed strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh strawberry slices, maple syrup or honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese filling by combining softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and fluffy, then gently stir in strawberry preserves, leaving some swirls visible. Set aside.
  2. Slice the loaf into thick slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Slice each piece horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture inside each pocket and close gently.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt until combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard mixture, soaking about 20 seconds per side.
  5. Place soaked slices on the hot skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed.
  6. Transfer cooked French toast to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess butter. Serve warm with optional powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and maple syrup or honey.

Notes

Use thick slices of challah or brioche for best results. Chill stuffed slices for 10 minutes before dipping in custard if filling oozes. Cook on medium heat to avoid burning. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk, cook in coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, stuffed French toast, strawberry cream cheese, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cream cheese filling, strawberry preserves