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This Strawberry Stuffed French Toast brings indulgent brunch vibes with a simple, everyday prep.
Thick slices of sourdough brioche cradle a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling that balances tangy and sweet flavors beautifully.
Each sandwich is dipped in a vanilla-cinnamon custard, creating a golden crust with a soft, creamy center.
Though rich and decadent, it offers a satisfying balance of protein (16g per serving) and calcium, thanks to the cream cheese and eggs.
It’s a great option for weekends or special breakfasts but is easy enough for a weekday treat.
The ingredients are flexible too—try swapping strawberries for blueberries or blackberries.
It’s a comfort food classic with a fruity twist that doubles as a crowd-pleaser and a fun way to use up stale bread.
Meal-prep friendly, too—make the filling ahead and assemble just before cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Cuisinart Nonstick Electric Griddle
Ideal for evenly browning multiple French toast sandwiches at once. Its large, flat surface heats consistently, saving time and ensuring perfect golden crusts. Great for pancakes, grilled cheese, and more.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowl Set
Sturdy, non-slip base bowls are perfect for whisking the custard and mixing the cream cheese filling. Their ergonomic design and nesting storage make them indispensable for any kitchen task.
Wilton 9-Inch Whisk
Effortlessly blends eggs, milk, and spices for a smooth custard mixture. Its lightweight yet durable design is perfect for beating eggs, batters, and sauces with ease.
KitchenAid Silicone Spatula
Perfect for folding strawberries into the cream cheese and spreading the filling evenly on bread slices. Heat-resistant and gentle on nonstick cookware, it’s a go-to for both sweet and savory cooking.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (Optional)
If you’re skipping the griddle, this skillet provides a deep, even sear and retains heat beautifully for golden-brown French toast every time.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Equipment
- (1) Medium Mixing Bowl – for combining cream cheese and honey
- (1) Spatula – for folding in strawberries and spreading filling
- (1) Large Mixing Bowl – for making the custard mixture
- (1) Whisk – for blending eggs, milk, and spices
- (1) Griddle or Skillet – for frying French toast sandwiches
- (1) Measuring Cups and Spoons – for accurate ingredient prep
- (1) Knife and Cutting Board – for dicing strawberries
Ingredients
Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ cup fresh strawberries finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
Custard Soak:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Bread & Cooking:
- 12 slices of sourdough brioche or challah/French bread
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter for frying
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Sliced fresh strawberries
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Strawberry Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with honey until smooth and silky. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed through the mixture. Set aside while you prep the rest.
- Assemble the Stuffed Sandwiches: Lay out six slices of bread and generously spread the cream cheese filling across each slice. Top with the remaining six slices to form six stuffed sandwiches. Optionally, for thick-sliced bread, cut a pocket into each slice and spoon the filling inside for a more contained center.
- Make the Custard Dip: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This will be the rich custard that gives the French toast its golden crust.
- Dip and Soak the Sandwiches: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 5 seconds per side—just enough to absorb without becoming soggy.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Place each custard-soaked sandwich onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until both sides are crisp and golden brown. Add more butter as needed between batches to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Serve and Top as Desired: Transfer the warm French toast to serving plates. Finish with your favorite toppings—powdered sugar, whipped cream, maple syrup, sliced strawberries, or even a few chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Bread Tip: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture—it holds up better to the custard and crisps nicely when fried.
- Flavor Twist: Add ½ tsp lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing citrus layer.
- Berry Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a seasonal spin or berry medley.
- Avoiding Soggy Toast: Don’t over-soak the bread slices in the custard mixture—5 seconds per side is just enough to get that creamy center without sogginess.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the filling a day in advance and refrigerate. Just give it a stir before assembling your sandwiches.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Texture
The key to nailing this recipe lies in balancing the bread’s texture and the custard’s soak.
For best results, use day-old or lightly toasted sourdough brioche—it’s sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart and gives the toast a rich, golden crust.
When making the cream cheese filling, be sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature.
This ensures a smooth, spreadable consistency without lumps.
Folding in the strawberries gently helps preserve their texture and keeps the mixture from becoming watery.
Another professional tip: don’t skip preheating the skillet or griddle.
Medium heat with butter gives a beautifully browned exterior without burning.
Rotate each toast slightly midway through cooking to get even color and a café-style finish.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Flavor
This stuffed French toast is already a treat on its own, but the right toppings can elevate it to a showstopper brunch centerpiece.
Fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup create a classic finish.
Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch.
Hosting a brunch? Serve alongside crispy bacon or a veggie frittata to balance sweet and savory flavors.
A cup of hot coffee or a light mimosa pairs beautifully with the richness of this dish.
You can also slice the toast into triangles for a fun, family-style breakfast platter.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
If you have leftovers, allow the French toast to cool completely before storing.
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter, or use a toaster oven to maintain the crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving unless necessary, as it can make the toast rubbery and soggy.
If you’d like to prep ahead, you can make the strawberry cream cheese filling the day before and store it in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked, un-topped French toast in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Reheat directly from frozen using a toaster oven or oven set to 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche?
Yes, but opt for thicker slices or toast the bread lightly beforehand to prevent it from falling apart when soaked in custard. Brioche, challah, or sourdough adds more structure and flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk). Just be sure your dairy-free cream cheese has a spreadable consistency.
3. What’s the best way to avoid soggy French toast?
Use slightly stale or firm bread and limit the soaking time in the custard to 5 seconds per side. Over-soaking or using overly soft bread can lead to sogginess.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries in the filling?
Fresh strawberries are best for texture, but you can use frozen ones if needed. Thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cream cheese mixture.
5. Is it possible to bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes! Arrange the dipped stuffed sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
This recipe is inspired by farmhouseonboone and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
