Description
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a delightful breakfast recipe that layers creamy cheesecake filling and fresh strawberries between thick slices of brioche or challah bread. Soaked in a rich custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. Ideal for weekend brunches or special occasions, it is easy to prepare, customizable to dietary needs, and sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Fruit
- 6 thick slices Brioche or Challah Bread (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, sliced
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Egg Custard
- 4 large Eggs
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
For Cooking
- Butter or Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This will be the luscious cheesecake layer inside the French toast.
- Slice and Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah bread into thick slices about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Layer sliced fresh strawberries and a dollop of the cream cheese mixture between two slices, creating a sandwich.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This custard mixture will soak into the bread to create a tender yet sturdy texture.
- Soak the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg custard, allowing it to absorb enough custard on both sides without falling apart. Proper soaking is key to achieving a creamy inside and crispy outside.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt butter or add oil. Place the soaked sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Ensure the cream cheese melts and the filling is heated through.
- Serve with Fresh Toppings: Plate the French toast with extra fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and your favorite syrup or garnish such as fresh mint or whipped cream for an elevated presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth mixing and even soaking.
- Opt for thick bread slices to hold the filling and avoid sogginess.
- Avoid oversoaking bread to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the outside is golden and the filling is properly heated.
- Let cooked French toast rest a minute before serving to set the filling and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg