Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast (Printable version)
Golden brioche filled with creamy cheese, pan-seared and finished with a bright strawberry drizzle for indulgent brunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cream Cheese Filling
01 - 7 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ French Toast
04 - 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread, preferably day-old
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 3/4 cup whole milk
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10 - Pinch of kosher salt
11 - Unsalted butter, for pan-frying
→ Strawberry Drizzle
12 - 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
16 - Fresh strawberries, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
03 - Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among 4 slices of brioche, spreading it to the edges. Top each with a second slice of bread to form 4 filled sandwiches.
04 - In a shallow dish or baking pan, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
05 - Carefully dip each filled sandwich into the custard, coating both sides evenly. Avoid soaking too long to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a pat of butter. Cook each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
07 - Cut each French toast diagonally in half and arrange on plates. Drizzle generously with the strawberry sauce, then finish with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberry slices if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The cream cheese filling makes it feel like you are eating dessert for breakfast but it comes together with barely any effort.
- That strawberry drizzle is the kind of thing that makes people close their eyes when they take the first bite.
02 -
- If the bread is too fresh it will disintegrate the moment it hits the custard so leave it out overnight or toast it lightly first.
- Do not rush the heat because medium is the sweet spot where the outside browns before the inside turns to wet mush.
03 -
- Spread the cream cheese all the way to the edges of each slice so every single bite has filling rather than just the center.
- Wipe the pan clean between batches and add fresh butter each time to avoid burnt bits sticking to your next sandwich.