Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch treat, offering the perfect balance of creamy, sweet filling and golden, crispy bread. The luscious cream cheese filling, infused with fresh strawberries and a touch of vanilla, gets sandwiched between two slices of fluffy brioche or challah bread. The whole thing is dipped in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture and then cooked to perfection on the stovetop, creating a crisp, golden crust. Finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberry slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this stuffed French toast feels like a decadent dessert disguised as breakfast. Perfect for special occasions, family brunches, or when you’re in the mood for something a little more luxurious than your typical French toast.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of brioche or challah bread (preferably a day or two old)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for serving)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. The fresh strawberries will add a burst of flavor to the creamy filling, making it sweet and slightly tangy.
2. Assemble the stuffed French toast: Take 4 slices of bread and spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, pressing down gently to form sandwiches. Make sure the filling is spread evenly, but be careful not to let it spill out too much.
3. Make the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This will create a flavorful custard that will soak into the bread, giving the French toast a rich, custardy texture.
4. Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Carefully transfer the coated sandwiches to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Serve: Once the French toast is golden and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Top with freshly sliced strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also add whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
6. Enjoy: Serve your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast immediately, and enjoy the combination of crispy bread, creamy filling, and sweet strawberries. This dish is perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch that feels like a treat.