Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Delight

$- 6 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread - 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature - ¼ cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced I love using brioche or challah bread for this recipe. These breads are soft and sweet, making them perfect for French toast. The cream cheese adds richness, while powdered sugar gives it sweetness. The vanilla extract brings out the flavors beautifully. Fresh strawberries provide a burst of freshness and natural sweetness. - 2 large eggs - ½ cup whole milk - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking) - Maple syrup (for serving) - Extra sliced strawberries (for garnish) - Whipped cream (optional, for serving) The egg and milk mixture binds everything together. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. Butter helps achieve a perfect, golden-brown crust. Maple syrup is a must-have topping. You can top with extra strawberries and whipped cream for a special touch. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish delightful. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You need cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla. Use a hand mixer or a spatula until it is smooth and creamy. This step is key for a rich filling. Next, take fresh strawberries and slice them. Carefully fold the sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to distribute them evenly without mashing them. This gives every bite a burst of flavor. Now, grab your brioche slices. Take two slices and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on one slice. Place the other slice on top to make a sandwich. Repeat until you have three stuffed sandwiches. The thick-cut brioche holds the filling well. It’s time to cook! In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and ground cinnamon. Mix until it is well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture coats the bread and adds flavor. Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add unsalted butter to melt across the surface. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated. Let any extra drip off before placing it in the hot skillet. Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes on one side. You want it golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches and keep them warm. Continue cooking any remaining sandwiches. Serve them warm with maple syrup, extra sliced strawberries, and whipped cream if you like. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make sure your stuffed French toast cooks evenly, follow these steps: - Use thick-cut brioche or challah bread. This helps hold the filling well. - Preheat your skillet or griddle on medium heat. This ensures a nice, golden brown crust. - Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed for even cooking. - Flip the sandwiches gently to avoid spilling the filling. To avoid soggy bread, here are some tips: - Let the egg mixture sit for a moment after whisking. This helps it thicken slightly. - Dip each sandwich quickly in the egg mixture. Don't let it soak. - Allow excess egg mixture to drip off before cooking. This keeps the bread firm. For a beautiful presentation, try these ideas: - Lightly dust the finished French toast with powdered sugar. It adds a nice touch. - Arrange the stuffed French toast on a decorative plate. - Drizzle extra maple syrup around the edges for visual appeal. - Garnish with sliced strawberries and a sprig of mint for freshness. To complement the meal, consider these sides: - Serve with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. - Fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing touch. - A scoop of whipped cream creates a dessert-like feel. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Using thick-cut brioche or challah gives the French toast a rich flavor and helps it hold up to the filling, ensuring a perfectly decadent experience. Let the Filling Chill: After preparing the cream cheese mixture, let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to spread and helps it hold its shape during cooking. Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat is key; too high and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary for even cooking. Add Flavor to the Egg Mixture: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture for an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberry cheesecake filling. {{image_4}} You can switch out strawberries for other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or bananas work great. Each fruit brings its own flavor. You can also mix fruits for more variety. Another fun option is flavored cream cheese. Try lemon, chocolate, or even pumpkin spice. These flavors can really change the dish. They add fun twists to the classic strawberry cheesecake style. While brioche or challah is ideal, other breads can shine too. Try using Texas toast for a thicker bite. Sourdough adds a nice tang to the taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer great choices that taste wonderful. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling. To keep your stuffed French toast fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. This helps keep the flavors strong and the texture nice. - Reheat: To warm up, use a skillet over low heat. Flip the toast to heat it evenly. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time. Check until warm. You can freeze stuffed French toast for later. Here’s how: - Freezing: Wrap each stuffed sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. - Thawing and Reheating: The best way to thaw is to leave it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet or griddle. Heat it on medium until warm. You can also use the microwave, but it may get soggy. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the filling a day early. Store it in the fridge. Just assemble and cook the French toast when you're ready. This way, you save time in the morning. What can I use instead of cream cheese? You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese. Both options work well. They give a similar creamy texture and taste. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe makes three servings. Each serving has two stuffed sandwiches. It's perfect for a small breakfast or brunch. What is the approximate calorie count per serving? Each serving has about 400 calories. This count may change based on the type of bread and toppings you use. How to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan? Use dairy-free cream cheese and almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also replace eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. This keeps the creaminess without animal products. Can I add more spices or flavors to the filling? Yes! You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice. These will enhance the flavor of the filling. Try adding a bit of chocolate chips for a sweet twist! This recipe for stuffed French toast blends rich flavors and fresh ingredients. We explored bread options, a creamy filling, and cooking tips. You can personalize it with various fruits and spreads. Remember to store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. You can create a fun breakfast or brunch with this dish. Try the methods shared here, and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Delight

A deliciously sweet and creamy stuffed French toast filled with strawberry cheesecake goodness.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
to taste Maple syrup (for serving)
to taste Extra sliced strawberries (for garnish)
optional Whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or spatula to thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Carefully fold the sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without mashing them.
Take two slices of the brioche bread and generously spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry cheesecake filling on one slice. Top with the other slice to create a sandwich. Repeat this step with the remaining slices of bread to create 3 stuffed sandwiches.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter across the surface.
Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before placing it in the hot skillet.
Cook each sandwich for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the stuffed sandwiches from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate. Continue cooking any remaining stuffed sandwiches.
Serve the French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup, topped with extra sliced strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

To elevate your dish, lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant flair. Consider garnishing with a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch!

Keyword French toast, strawberry cheesecake, stuffed