Description

This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast recipe brings the delightful flavors of a bakery brunch right to your kitchen. Soft, thick-cut bread slices are filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. Serve warm with powdered sugar and syrup for a decadent breakfast treat that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

For the French Toast Batter

3 large eggs
3/4 cup milk or half-and-half
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Other Ingredients

8 slices thick-cut bread
Butter or oil for cooking
Powdered sugar and syrup for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over 4 slices of the thick-cut bread. Layer the sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese, then cover with the remaining 4 slices to form four sandwiches.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
Dip the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing the bread to soak up the batter on both sides but not so long that it becomes soggy.
Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil to coat the surface. Place the dipped sandwiches in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
Serve: Remove from skillet and cut sandwiches in half if desired. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup for a sweet finish.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast to hold the filling without falling apart.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy spreading.
If strawberries are not in season, fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries can be used as alternatives.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture and the syrup topping.
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.