Description
Delight in this decadent Strawberry Stuffed French Toast recipe, featuring thick bread slices filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and fresh strawberries. Perfectly dipped in a vanilla cinnamon custard and cooked to golden perfection, this indulgent breakfast treat is served with powdered sugar, extra strawberries, and maple syrup for a sweet, fruity finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and 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 (divided)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking and 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 rest for topping. Set aside the filling mixture.
- Create Bread Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the middle of each bread slice, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the cream cheese and strawberry filling, pressing gently to seal the edges.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, remaining 1 tablespoon 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 custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly but not soaking too long to prevent falling apart. Place the coated slices onto the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, taking care when flipping to retain the filling inside.
- Serve and Garnish: 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 enjoy your delightful breakfast.
Notes
- Use thick, sturdy bread such as brioche or Texas toast for best results and easier filling.
- Handle the bread gently when dipping to keep the filling intact and avoid sogginess.
- For a richer custard, you can substitute half-and-half for the whole milk.
- Make ahead: Prepare the stuffed bread slices and keep refrigerated, then cook fresh before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Stuffed French Toast, Strawberry French Toast, Cream Cheese Filling, Breakfast Recipe, Sweet French Toast
