Description
Enjoy a sweet breakfast treat with Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast, featuring thick-cut brioche or challah filled with a creamy strawberry cream cheese mixture. Soaked in a rich egg custard and cooked to golden perfection, this dish is drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fresh strawberries, making it a delightful way to start your day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche or challah)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue mixing until well combined and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Reserve a few slices for garnish if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs, checking for any shell pieces.
- Add the milk, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) to the eggs. Whisk until well combined and frothy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Take a slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on one side.
- Top the cream cheese side with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Press down gently.
- Repeat with the remaining slices of bread and cream cheese filling until all sandwiches are made.
- In a large skillet or griddle, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until bubbling but not burning.
- Carefully place one or two assembled sandwiches in the skillet, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Peek underneath to check the color.
- Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until beautifully browned and crispy.
- Remove cooked sandwiches from the skillet and keep warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while cooking the remaining sandwiches.
- Slice a cooked sandwich in half diagonally for easier eating.
- Arrange the slices on a plate and drizzle with maple syrup generously.
- Sprinkle reserved strawberry slices on top for a fresh touch.
- For an indulgent experience, add a dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with other fruits or flavorings as desired.
- This recipe can be made ahead by preparing the cream cheese filling and egg mixture the night before.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes