If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a dessert, Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is the perfect dish to indulge in. Imagine biting into buttery, golden-brown French toast filled with a creamy, sweet cheesecake mixture and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary morning into something truly special.
This dish is a brunch favorite—perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself or impress your loved ones. The combination of crispy French toast, velvety cheesecake filling, and a burst of fresh strawberry flavor makes every bite heavenly.
Ready to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make the perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
French Toast:
- 6 thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or almond milk for a lighter option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey as a natural alternative)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped nuts
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Fold in the Greek yogurt or sour cream to add an extra creamy texture.
- Set aside or refrigerate while you prepare the toast.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined, as this will coat the bread evenly.
Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
- Lay out 6 slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling on 3 slices.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped strawberries over the filling.
- Place the remaining 3 slices on top, creating a sandwich. Press down gently to seal the edges.
Dip and Cook the French Toast
- Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Dip each stuffed French toast sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Strawberry Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the strawberries release their juices and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Place the cooked French toast on a plate and spoon the warm strawberry topping over it.
- Garnish with whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
The Secret to Perfect French Toast
Achieving the best French toast is all about using the right ingredients and cooking methods. Here are three essential factors:
1. Choosing the Right Bread
- Brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best because they are thick and absorb the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Day-old bread is ideal, as slightly stale bread holds up better than fresh, soft slices.
2. The Perfect Egg Mixture
- A balanced ratio of eggs to milk is key to getting the right texture. Too much milk makes the bread soggy, while too little results in a dry texture.
- Cinnamon and vanilla extract add a warm, sweet flavor to complement the cheesecake filling.
3. Cooking at the Right Temperature
- Cook on medium heat so the toast is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.
- Avoid high heat, as it can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
Delicious Variations and Customizations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast:
1. Chocolate Lovers’ Version
- Add a spoonful of Nutella to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips inside before sealing the bread.
2. Nutty Caramel Delight
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
3. Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternative
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and almond milk for a vegan version.
- Substitute the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your meal with these serving ideas:
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for a classic touch.
- Pair with fresh fruit like bananas, blueberries, or raspberries.
- Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory balance.
Healthier Alternatives Without Losing Flavor
Want to enjoy this treat with fewer calories? Try these healthier swaps:
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a fiber-rich alternative.
- Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup in the filling and topping.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a protein-packed version.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance for quicker assembly.
- Storage: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or skillet to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make it soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the bread – Too much filling can leak out and make a mess.
- Cooking at the wrong temperature – Too high, and it burns; too low, and it stays soggy.
- Using thin bread – It won’t hold up to the filling and may fall apart.
- Skipping the resting time – Let the dipped bread sit for a few seconds before cooking to ensure even soaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling in advance, but it’s best to cook the French toast fresh.
3. What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal for their thickness and ability to soak up the egg mixture.
4. Can I freeze stuffed French toast?
Yes! Wrap each piece individually and freeze. Reheat in the oven or toaster.
5. What’s a good substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese make great alternatives.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is a decadent and irresistible breakfast that combines rich, creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and buttery golden French toast. It’s perfect for a special brunch, holiday breakfast, or a weekend treat when you’re craving something sweet yet satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices brioche, challah, or Texas toast (thick-cut bread)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or almond milk for a lighter option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey as a natural alternative)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix in Greek yogurt or sour cream to create a creamy texture.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
- Lay out 6 slices of bread and spread cheesecake filling on 3 slices.
- Sprinkle diced strawberries over the filling.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, pressing gently to seal.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
- Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Dip each stuffed French toast into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
- Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the stuffed French toast and drizzle with strawberry topping.
- Garnish with whipped cream, maple syrup, or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Notes
Use thick-cut bread like brioche or challah for a sturdy base.
Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and prevents sogginess.
Don’t overfill the bread—too much cheesecake filling can cause leaks.
Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for a few seconds for better absorption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes