Description

Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a decadent and delicious breakfast treat featuring thick slices of brioche or challah bread filled with a creamy strawberry and cream cheese mixture. The stuffed bread is dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, pan-fried until golden and crispy, then topped with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and warm maple syrup. Perfect for a special morning or brunch, this recipe combines creamy, fruity, and fluffy textures for a delightful bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Filling

8 slices thick bread (brioche or challah work best)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Cooking and Serving

2 tablespoons butter for cooking
Powdered sugar for dusting
Maple syrup for serving

Instructions

Prepare the 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 remaining strawberries for topping. Set aside the mixture.
Stuff the bread: Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice horizontally through the middle of each bread slice, creating a pocket without cutting through completely. Generously stuff each pocket with the cream cheese and strawberry mixture, gently pressing to seal it inside.
Make the custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth with no visible egg whites.
Dip the bread: 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 without soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
Cook the French toast: Place the dipped bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy, being careful when flipping to keep the filling intact and warm through.
Serve: Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar, top with the reserved fresh strawberries, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results as it absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for easy spreading and mixing.
Don’t oversoak the bread in the egg mixture or it will become soggy and fall apart.
Cook over medium heat to ensure the inside warms through while the outside gets crispy.
You can prepare the stuffed bread slices the night before and refrigerate, then dip and cook in the morning.
For extra decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, French Toast, Stuffed French Toast, Breakfast, Brunch, Brioche French Toast, Challah French Toast, Cream Cheese Filling, Strawberry Breakfast