
If you’re looking for an utterly irresistible breakfast treat, look no further than this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. Imagine thick slices of golden-fried bread with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling bursting with juicy strawberries—every bite is a taste of pure morning joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Filling: The luscious cheesecake center, dotted with real strawberry bits, brings a touch of dessert magic to your morning!
- Crisp and Custardy: Each slice of French toast is pan-fried to crispy golden perfection while staying plush and custardy inside.
- Stunning Brunch Star: Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is guaranteed to wow guests and elevate any brunch table.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you swap berries or play with toppings, this recipe flexes to match your cravings and seasonal produce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast so special? It’s all down to the harmonious combination of simple fridge and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays its part—some add rich creaminess, others tang and sweetness—coming together for that perfect bite.
- French bread: Opt for thick-cut slices, preferably slightly dry for extra soakability and a crisp crust.
- Cream cheese: Softened to silky perfection, it gives that signature cheesecake flavor and creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Blends easily into the filling for smooth sweetness without grit.
- Lemon zest & juice: The zest adds sunshine-bright citrus notes, while the juice gives the filling irresistible tang.
- Fresh strawberries: Dice them small for ruby-red pops of juicy freshness right in every bite.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard; they bind the mixture and deliver that plush, custardy bite classic to French toast.
- Milk: Use whole milk for rich flavor and a perfectly balanced custard soak.
- Brown sugar: Adds gentle caramel notes and deepens the color of the toast’s crust.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and brings warm, inviting aroma to your kitchen.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: These cozy spices infuse the custard with hints of warmth that play beautifully with the cheesecake flavors.
- Butter: For skillet-frying those stuffed sandwiches to golden-brown, buttery glory.
- Maple syrup & extra strawberries: For the most delightful finishing touch (optional, but highly encouraged!).
Variations
One of my favorite things about Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or tailoring to dietary needs, this dish is a delicious canvas for your creativity.
- Berry Swap: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different colorful twist—each adds its own sweet-tart character!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the finished toast for a luxurious dessert-brunch hybrid.
- Go Nutty: Fold a spoonful of chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the filling for crunch and depth.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and non-dairy milk to make this recipe completely dairy-free without losing that cheesecake vibe.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Step 1: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth and fluffy—this gives that signature creamy texture. Gently sift in powdered sugar, followed by lemon zest and lemon juice, and keep whipping until everything is light, silky, and mouthwateringly luscious. Finally, stir in those little gems of diced strawberries so every bite is dotted with bursts of juicy fruit.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and just a whisper of freshly grated nutmeg. This fragrant, creamy mix is what turns plain bread into that classic custardy French toast you crave.
Step 3: Assemble the Stuffed Sandwiches
Grab two thick slices of French bread for each sandwich. Generously spread the cheesecake filling on one slice, being careful not to go all the way to the edge—this keeps most of the filling inside where it belongs! Top with the second slice and gently press together to seal in all that goodness.
Step 4: Soak and Sizzle
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter (plus a touch of oil if you like extra golden brown color). Dip each sandwich into the custard, letting both sides soak up plenty for maximum flavor, then carefully transfer to the hot pan. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side until the outside is crisp and deeply golden, and the filling is just beginning to ooze.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Stack the Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast high on a plate, pile on fresh strawberries, give it a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup—or go wild with a dollop of whipped cream! Be ready: there will be major swooning at your table.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
- Best Bread Choice: Use slightly stale French bread—the drier texture soaks up waaay more custard, giving you a creamy interior with a crispy edge!
- Edge Insurance: Leave a small border when spreading the cheesecake filling to keep it from leaking out and making a mess in the skillet.
- Gentle Heat: Cook over medium (not high) heat—this ensures the filling gets warm and gooey without burning the exterior before the center’s heated through.
- Prep Ahead: Mix together the cheesecake filling the night before and store it covered in the fridge for a head start on your morning.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Garnishes
Nothing says “brunch celebration” quite like a dramatic finish! Top your Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast with an extra shower of powdered sugar, juicy sliced strawberries, and a pat of butter that melts into each nook. (For special occasions, a little swirl of whipped cream is never unwelcome!)
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple accompaniments—a platter of crisp bacon for saltiness, a bowl of fresh fruit salad to lighten things up, or a bubbly mimosa if you’re feeling fancy. Even a hot mug of coffee or tea is all you need for the perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut each sandwich on the diagonal and stack the halves artistically, or serve with mini bowls of toppings for a DIY French toast bar at brunch. Want to go luxe? Add a drizzle of strawberry compote or chocolate sauce, and a few edible flowers for true wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, let it cool completely before wrapping tightly or transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep fresh for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick, delicious breakfast the next morning!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these! Cool each sandwich, then wrap individually in parchment and foil. For best texture, freeze up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for easy grabbing and reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven or toaster oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy outside, or zap briefly in the microwave for convenience (the oven keeps the crust wonderfully crisp, though!). Add fresh toppings and savor it all over again.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of bread for Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast?
Absolutely! While French bread is my favorite for its structure and soakability, brioche or challah are fantastic choices, lending extra tenderness and a hint of sweetness to every bite.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?
Spread the cheesecake filling inward, leaving a border around the edge of the bread. This, plus not overfilling, helps keep the goodness inside where it belongs while you fry!
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Can the strawberry cheesecake filling be made ahead?
Yes—whip up the filling a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just give it a little stir before assembling to loosen it up and you’re good to go!
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Is Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast suitable for special occasions?
It’s a showstopper for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, or any morning you want to make magical! Its gorgeous layers and dessert-level flair make it an instant celebration centerpiece.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful and comforting about gathering around a table to dig into Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. I hope you’ll treat yourself—and the people you love—to this unapologetically decadent, berry-bright breakfast soon. You deserve mornings this delicious, friend!
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast recipe. Creamy strawberry-filled goodness nestled between slices of custard-soaked French bread, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Custard
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- grated fresh nutmeg
For the Toast
- 4–6 thick slices of french bread
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- zest of half a lemon (about 1–4 -1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
To garnish:
- Butter
- Maple Syrup
- Powdered Sugar
- Fresh Strawberries
Instructions
- Mix together the custard ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- Slice the bread into one inch thick slices.
- Whip the softened cream cheese until very soft and silky. Sift in the powdered sugar. Add the lemon zest and juice. Whip to combine. Add the strawberries and stir until combined.
- Spread the strawberry cream cheese mix on two of the bread slices, avoiding the very edge. Top with the other slice of bread.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and oil. Dip each sandwich into the custard on both sides, then place in the skillet. Fry 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve with butter, powdered sugar or maple syrup, and more fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Bread is best for French toast when it’s a bit dry because it absorbs more custard. I buy a whole French loaf about 3 days before I need it for French toast and then let it dry out a bit.
- I had enough egg custard to make three sandwiches, but this will depend on the size of your bread. If you use large slices, you’ll probably make two sandwiches, and smaller bread will make probably four sandwiches.
- Don’t like strawberries? Try raspberries instead.
- Want to try a different twist on French toast? Try my Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Roll-ups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 140mg