Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet tang of strawberries, all tucked inside warm, buttery French toast. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend breakfast. Here’s how to make it!
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for a smoother filling)
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah works best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- If you want a lighter, fluffier filling, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the mixture and beat it for a few extra minutes.
- Stir in the strawberry jam or chopped fresh strawberries until fully incorporated. Set aside.
2. Prepare the French Toast Batter:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This will be your dipping mixture for the French toast.
3. Stuff the French Toast:
- Take a slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on one side. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cook the French Toast:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, dip each stuffed sandwich into the French toast batter, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
- Place the battered sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining stuffed French toast.
5. Serve:
- Once all the French toast is cooked, slice each one in half or quarters to reveal the creamy filling inside.
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Tips:
- Bread Choice: Thick, eggy bread like brioche or challah is best for French toast, as it soaks up the egg batter without falling apart.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before using it.
- Fresh Strawberries: For an extra burst of freshness, you can macerate the strawberries in a little sugar before serving. Simply slice them and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your breakfast cravings! Enjoy the sweet, creamy, and fruity layers in every bite!
