If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that balances luscious sweetness with just enough decadence to brighten any morning, Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is a must-try! Thick slices of bread, slathered with creamy cheese and juicy strawberries, are bathed in a custardy egg wash and fried to golden perfection. The first bite—warm, crisp, creamy, and fruity—is pure joy. This dish turns humble ingredients into a special-occasion favorite, but it’s so easy you’ll want to make it whenever a craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful breakfast calls for a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. Think fluffy bread, tangy cream cheese, sweet berries, and that classic vanilla-custard flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create Strawberry Stuffed French Toast:
- Thick bread slices: Look for bread like brioche, challah, or sturdy French bread for the best texture—they soak up the custard but hold together beautifully during cooking.
- Cream cheese: The rich, tangy filling gives every bite a cheesecake-like surprise; let it soften a bit for easiest spreading.
- Sliced fresh strawberries: Juicy strawberries offer color, sweetness, and a refreshing burst of flavor in the filling.
- Eggs: Essential for achieving the classic French toast custard—eggs bind everything and create that golden, slightly crisp crust.
- Milk: Milk adds creaminess and helps the eggs coat the bread evenly—whole or 2% works best, but any milk will do.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall aroma and imparts that signature French toast warmth.
- Powdered sugar and syrup: For a finishing flourish, nothing beats a dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
How to Make Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Strawberry Filling
Start by spreading a generous layer of cream cheese on four slices of your chosen bread. Top the cream cheese with sliced strawberries, arranging them so every bite is loaded with fresh fruity goodness. Then, take the remaining bread slices and place them on top to form hearty sandwiches. This easy step is where the magic happens—each bite of French toast will be creamy, sweet, and impossibly luscious.
Step 2: Mix the Egg Custard
In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture is the secret to that classic Strawberry Stuffed French Toast texture: a slightly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, custardy middle. Make sure to whisk thoroughly so the vanilla is evenly distributed!
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Sandwiches
Working one at a time, gently dip each strawberry-and-cream-cheese sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Don’t rush—let the bread soak up just enough liquid without falling apart. You want the custard to permeate the bread, ensuring every corner becomes gorgeously golden in the skillet.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Once hot, add your stuffed sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until each one is beautifully browned and crisp on the outside. The moment you flip them and catch that caramelized aroma, you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 5: Top & Serve
Transfer the Strawberry Stuffed French Toast to plates and immediately dust with powdered sugar. Finish with a lavish pour of maple syrup, and, if you’re feeling indulgent, some extra berries. This finishing touch gives every plate that irresistible brunch-worthy appearance.
How to Serve Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Garnishes
The toppings are where you can truly customize your Strawberry Stuffed French Toast. Classic powdered sugar and a river of maple syrup are hard to beat, but a sprinkle of extra sliced strawberries, a sprig of mint, or even a dollop of whipped cream will make your dish extra inviting and photo-worthy. Try a light dusting of grated lemon zest for a pop of brightness!
Side Dishes
French toast this luscious deserves some thoughtful companions at the table. Consider serving with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to contrast the sweetness, or keep things fresh and light with a bowl of mixed fruit. A simple yogurt parfait or a mug of good coffee rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or looking to impress, cut each Strawberry Stuffed French Toast slice on the diagonal and fan them across a platter, dusted with sugar and ringed with berries. Arrange small ramekins of syrup, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for a DIY toppings bar—everyone loves a little customization! For brunch parties, mini versions made with baguette slices are adorable and perfect for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Stuffed French Toast leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The filling helps keep the bread moist, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight—making tomorrow’s breakfast something to look forward to.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooked and cooled French toast slices on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment or waxed paper. They’ll keep well for about a month and make an incredible quick breakfast option.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Strawberry Stuffed French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, until warmed through and lightly crispy again. You can also use a skillet over medium-low heat. The microwave is handy in a hurry, though the exterior won’t get as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries before using to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Slicing them after they’ve thawed gives you the perfect texture for layering inside your French toast.
Which bread works best for Strawberry Stuffed French Toast?
Brioche, challah, and French bread are ideal thanks to their thickness and ability to absorb custard without getting soggy. Day-old bread is especially good—it holds its shape better during dipping and frying.
Can I prepare Strawberry Stuffed French Toast the night before?
You can assemble the stuffed sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them, then dip and cook in the morning. This streamlines the process and makes breakfast extra easy, especially if you’re hosting.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and your favorite plant-based milk. There are excellent vegan cream cheeses available that create the same creamy texture and tang.
How do I keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Arrange finished slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and keep them in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. This ensures every piece of Strawberry Stuffed French Toast stays hot and crisp—even if you’re making a big batch.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like a plate of homemade Strawberry Stuffed French Toast to put a smile on your face, whether it’s a lazy weekend or a celebration brunch. It’s a breeze to prepare, brimming with comfort and color, and sure to impress family and friends alike. If you haven’t tried it yet, give this recipe a spot at your breakfast table—you may just find a new favorite!
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Strawberry Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20m
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent stuffed French toast filled with cream cheese and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices thick bread
Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
Egg-Milk Mixture:
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Serving Suggestions:
- Powdered sugar
- Syrup
Instructions
- Spread Filling: Spread cream cheese and strawberries between bread slices.
- Dip in Mixture: Dip stuffed bread in egg-milk mixture.
- Fry: Fry stuffed bread until golden brown.
- Serve: Top with syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite fruits or spreads.
- Make sure the bread is thick to hold the filling well.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar and syrup.
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
