Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of strawberries, all wrapped up in golden, buttery French toast. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the French Toast:

• 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah work well)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Butter, for cooking

For Serving:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Set aside.

Prepare the French Toast Batter:

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Assemble the French Toast:

1. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture on one side of 4 slices of bread.
2. Top with the remaining 4 slices to make sandwiches.

Cook the French Toast:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter.
2. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides well.
3. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

1. Cut the French toast sandwiches in half, if desired.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh sliced strawberries.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, the filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
3. What type of bread is best for French toast?
   Thick bread like brioche or challah works best for a rich, custardy texture.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
   Cream cheese is recommended for its smooth texture, but mascarpone can be used as an alternative.
5. How do I keep the French toast warm while cooking in batches?
   Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (200°F or 90°C) to keep warm.
6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and milk substitutes.
7. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
   Yes, you can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
8. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
   You can use honey, agave syrup, or fruit compote as alternatives.
9. How do I make the French toast extra crispy?
   Ensure your skillet or griddle is well-heated and use enough butter to achieve a crispy texture.
10. Can this recipe be made as a casserole?
    Yes, you can assemble the stuffed French toast in a baking dish, soak it in the egg mixture, and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast combines creamy cheesecake filling with fresh strawberries and crispy, buttery French toast. It’s a luxurious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch and will surely impress your family and guests. Enjoy this delicious indulgence with a touch of powdered sugar, maple syrup, and extra strawberries for the ultimate experience!