Description
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Thick slices of bread are filled with a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, extra fresh strawberries, and warm maple syrup, this recipe is perfect for a special brunch or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Filling
- 8 slices thick bread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking & Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries, reserving the other half for topping later. Set this mixture aside.
- Create Bread Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each slice of bread, slicing through the middle but not cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the cream cheese and strawberry mixture, pressing gently to seal and keep the filling inside.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, remaining granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth with no visible egg whites.
- Cook French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but avoiding soaking too long to prevent sogginess. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully to maintain the filling inside.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cooked French toast onto serving plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar, top with the reserved fresh strawberries, and drizzle warm maple syrup over the top. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best experience.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast to hold the filling well without breaking.
- Softened cream cheese blends more easily and ensures a creamy filling consistency.
- A shallow custard bowl helps evenly coat the bread slices without oversaturating.
- Cook over medium heat to allow thorough cooking without burning the outside.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry stuffed French toast, stuffed French toast recipe, cream cheese French toast, breakfast recipes, brunch ideas, sweet stuffed French toast
