Few breakfasts are as indulgent and comforting as Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Fresh Berries. Imagine biting into thick, golden-brown challah bread filled with creamy strawberry-infused goodness, topped with juicy berries, drizzled with maple syrup, and dusted with powdered sugar. Sounds irresistible, right? This recipe transforms an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet, this stuffed French toast is the perfect choice. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this decadent dish at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills.
- Rich and creamy filling – A luscious blend of cream cheese and strawberry jam.
- Perfectly golden toast – Lightly crisp on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside.
- Naturally sweet – Fresh berries and maple syrup add a delightful burst of flavor.
- Great for special occasions – A beautiful dish that feels luxurious yet is easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious breakfast:
French Toast
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Challah bread | 1 loaf, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Whole milk (or dairy-free alternative) | 1¼ cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp (for cooking) |
Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Strawberry jam (or preferred jam) | ½ cup |
Toppings
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries (or other berries) | As desired |
| Maple syrup | For drizzling |
| Powdered sugar | For dusting |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and strawberry jam until smooth and creamy. The key is to ensure there are no lumps, creating a perfectly spreadable consistency. Set this aside.
2. Stuff the Bread
Take each slice of challah bread and carefully cut a small slit in the middle to create a pocket. Be sure not to cut all the way through. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into each pocket, using a spoon or knife to spread it evenly inside.
3. Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This custard-like mixture is what gives the French toast its rich and fluffy texture.
4. Dip the Stuffed Bread
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each stuffed slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Let any excess drip off before placing it in the skillet.
5. Cook the French Toast
Place the dipped bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Flip carefully to avoid losing any of the filling. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange the French toast on a plate and top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Stuffed French Toast
- Use thick bread – Challah is ideal because it’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Brioche is a great alternative.
- Don’t oversoak – A quick dip in the egg mixture is enough; soaking too long can make the bread soggy.
- Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet version, use unsweetened jam or reduce the maple syrup.
- Cook on medium heat – Cooking too fast can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Variations to Try
1. Swap the Filling
Not a fan of strawberries? Try these alternatives:
- Raspberry jam + cream cheese
- Nutella + mascarpone
- Peanut butter + honey
2. Add a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle toasted almonds, crushed pecans, or granola on top for extra texture.
3. Make It Dairy-Free
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-free option.
4. Experiment with Different Berries
While strawberries are a classic choice, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work beautifully.
What to Serve with Stuffed French Toast
Pair your Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Fresh Berries with these delicious sides:
- Scrambled eggs – Balances the sweetness with a savory touch.
- Crispy bacon – Adds a smoky, salty contrast.
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea – The perfect morning beverage.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing
- Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Toaster: Heat on a low setting for crispiness.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but this may soften the texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fats | 15g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make stuffed French toast ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the stuffed slices overnight. In the morning, dip in the egg mixture and cook as usual.
2. Can I use regular sandwich bread?
You can, but it won’t hold the filling as well as challah or brioche. If using thinner bread, be extra gentle when stuffing.
3. What’s the best way to keep French toast warm?
Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the filling.
5. Why is my French toast soggy?
This happens when the bread is too thin, over-soaked, or cooked at too high a temperature, leaving the inside undercooked.
6. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Try honey, agave syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Fresh Berries is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a romantic breakfast-in-bed or an indulgent weekend brunch, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fluffy goodness.
So why not treat yourself? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a bite of breakfast bliss!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Fresh Berries
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toastfeatures fluffy challah bread, a strawberry cream cheese filling, and is toppedwith fresh berries, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 1 loaf challah bread (sliced into 1-inch thick pieces)
- 3 large eggs
- 1¼ cups whole milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries (or other berries, sliced)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and strawberry jam until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Stuff the Bread: Take each slice of challah bread and cut a small slit in the middle to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through). Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling into each pocket, spreading it evenly inside.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dip the Stuffed Bread: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each stuffed slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Allow any excess to drip off.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the dipped bread slices into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve: Arrange the French toast on plates and top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cream cheese.
- If challah bread isn’t available, brioche is a great substitute.
- Avoid over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American