Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Recipe
If you’re ready to turn breakfast into a celebration, you have to try Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. Imagine thick, golden slices of brioche, bursting with a luscious cream cheese and strawberry filling, then dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup. This dreamy, over-the-top dish is everything you want in a sweet breakfast: rich, tangy, fruity, and satisfyingly decadent, yet surprisingly easy to make. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for brunches, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast comes from a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible look that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Brioche or Challah Bread (8 slices): Thick, soft slices soak up the custard while holding in all that creamy filling.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): The base of the cheesecake filling—make sure it’s room temperature for easy blending.
- Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the filling without making it gritty.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon for filling, 1 teaspoon for custard): Brings out the cheesecake flavor and adds warmth to the custard.
- Fresh Strawberries (1/2 cup, diced): Juicy berries add bursts of freshness and color to every bite.
- Large Eggs (4): The backbone of the custard, giving the French toast its classic texture.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the custard so it soaks into the bread perfectly.
- Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Makes the custard rich and velvety for that luxurious finish.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with strawberries and cheesecake.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For golden, crispy edges and extra flavor as you cook.
- Powdered Sugar and Maple Syrup (for serving): The finishing touches that make this dish truly special.
- Additional Sliced Strawberries (for garnish): For a fresh, vibrant look and even more strawberry flavor.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl until everything is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries—this is where the magic happens! The sweet berries swirl into the tangy cream cheese, creating a dreamy, cheesecake-inspired filling you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out four slices of your brioche or challah bread and generously spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture on each one, reaching almost to the edges. Top with the other four bread slices to form hearty, stuffed sandwiches. Press down gently to seal in all that creamy goodness—this helps prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract. This rich, fragrant custard is what gives Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast its signature flavor and plush texture. Make sure everything is well blended for an even soak.
Step 4: Dip the Sandwiches
Take each stuffed sandwich and carefully dip it into the custard, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side. You want the bread to absorb enough custard to become tender and flavorful, but not so much that it falls apart. Let any excess drip off before moving to the pan.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbling, add your stuffed French toast sandwiches. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re deeply golden brown and the filling is warm and melty. Don’t rush—this step is where the bread gets its irresistible crispy edges!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast hot from the pan. Dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and pile on extra fresh strawberries. Each bite is an explosion of creamy, fruity, perfectly sweet flavors that taste like pure brunch bliss.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Garnishes
The right garnishes take your Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast from delicious to downright dazzling. A heavy snow of powdered sugar, a cascade of maple syrup, and a scattering of fresh, sliced strawberries make each serving look straight out of a café. For an extra-special touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten everything up.
Side Dishes
Balance out the richness of your French toast with simple sides. Crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausage add a salty contrast, while a bowl of mixed fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait keeps the meal feeling fresh. Even a handful of toasted nuts sprinkled on top can add crunch and extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, cut the French toast into triangles and stack them high on a platter, garnished with berries and mint. If you’re serving kids, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Or, go fancy by layering slices with extra filling and strawberries for a showstopping French toast “cake.” However you present it, Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast always steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep things fresh, place a piece of parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooled French toast sandwiches individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also use a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the bread soggy and the filling less creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are favorites for their soft, rich texture, you can use any thick-cut bread you love, such as Texas toast or even sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the filling.
Can I make Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast ahead of time?
You can prepare the cream cheese filling a day or two in advance and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble. The assembled sandwiches can be dipped and cooked just before serving for the freshest results.
What other fruits can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped peaches work beautifully in the filling. You can also mix a few fruits together for a colorful, tangy twist on the classic recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten things up, use low-fat cream cheese and swap heavy cream for additional milk. You can also try whole grain bread for more fiber, though the texture will be a bit different from the classic version.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan butter. The results are still delicious, especially when paired with ripe strawberries and a touch of maple syrup.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like an occasion, there’s nothing quite like Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and makes any morning feel special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears! Enjoy every decadent, berry-filled bite.
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Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, a perfect sweet breakfast or brunch treat. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberries, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter and cooked to golden perfection. Served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra strawberries, this dish is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (diced)
Bread & Egg Mixture
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Cooking & Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Additional sliced strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the strawberry cheesecake filling evenly onto four slices of brioche or challah bread. Then, top each with one of the remaining four slices to create stuffed sandwiches, pressing them gently together to seal.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. This will create a rich, flavorful custard to soak the sandwiches.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to soak well but avoiding oversaturation so the bread does not fall apart.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once melted and hot, cook the stuffed French toast sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to plates. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and garnish with additional sliced strawberries for an elegant and tasty finish. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bread such as brioche or challah to ensure the filling stays inside without leaking.
- The cream cheese filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time on the day of serving.
- For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
- Substitute strawberries with other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for different variations.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing the center to heat fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed French toast sandwich
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
