Description
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch recipe, perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. It features creamy whipped cream cheese mixed with fresh strawberries and honey, sandwiched between slices of brioche bread, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. Serve with extra strawberries and maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup strawberries, diced (plus more for serving)
French Toast Batter
- 12 slices brioche bread (one loaf)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese with the honey and diced strawberries, mixing gently to combine. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the other components.
- Make the egg batter: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended and smooth.
- Assemble the stuffed French toast: Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture evenly over 6 slices of brioche bread. Top each with another slice of bread to create a sandwich, sealing the filling inside.
- Heat the skillet and melt butter: Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat and add ½ tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan.
- Dip and cook the French toast: Dip each stuffed brioche sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak thoroughly on both sides. Immediately transfer the coated sandwich to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden and cooked through.
- Repeat cooking remaining sandwiches: Add more butter if needed and repeat dipping and cooking with the remaining stuffed brioche slices until all six are cooked.
- Serve your stuffed French toast: Remove from skillet and serve warm topped with extra fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use brioche bread for its rich, soft texture which absorbs the batter well without falling apart.
- Ensure the skillet is at medium heat to cook the French toast evenly without burning.
- Press the edges of the stuffed brioche slightly to help seal the filling before dipping in the egg mixture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whipped cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a suitable milk substitute.
- Serve immediately for best texture; French toast can become soggy if it sits too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
