Print

Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

creamy strawberry cream cheese stuffed french toast - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast treat featuring thick slices of brioche or challah bread stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and fresh strawberries, dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg custard, and cooked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (about 1 inch thick)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
  • Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
  • Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Fold in the finely chopped strawberries gently. Set aside.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Assemble the Stuffed Bread: Carefully cut a pocket in each slice of bread by slicing horizontally about ¾ through the slice, without cutting all the way to the edges. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling inside each pocket and gently press the bread closed.
  4. Soak the Stuffed Bread: Dip each stuffed slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. The bread should feel saturated but not falling apart.
  5. Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Place the soaked, stuffed bread slices onto the skillet carefully. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
  6. Serve Warm: Remove from skillet and let sit a minute before dusting with powdered sugar and drizzling maple syrup if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not over-soak the bread to prevent sogginess. Use thick slices of brioche or challah for best results. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Cook on medium heat to ensure the filling warms through without burning the outside. Keep cooked french toast warm in a 200°F oven if cooking in batches.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed french toast, strawberry cream cheese, breakfast, brunch, easy recipe, creamy french toast, brioche french toast