Strawberries and Cream French Toast

This decadent stuffed French toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a celebration. Thick slices of bread sandwich a luscious strawberry cream cheese filling before being dipped in rich custard and cooked to golden perfection. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy center creates an unforgettable breakfast experience that feels like dessert.

I first created this recipe for my daughter's birthday breakfast after she requested something "fancy but not too fancy." Now it has become our go-to special occasion breakfast that even my cooking-resistant teenagers can prepare themselves.

• Texas Toast or thick sliced bread: Provides the sturdy foundation needed to hold the filling without becoming soggy
• Cream cheese: Creates the creamy base for the filling giving this dish its luxurious texture
• Strawberry jam: Adds concentrated berry flavor and sweetness throughout the year
• Fresh strawberries: Provides bursts of fresh flavor and texture within the filling
• Lemon zest: Brightens the filling with subtle citrus notes that balance the richness
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the custard base making for a more velvety finished product
• Eggs: Creates the binding custard that transforms the bread into French toast
• Vanilla: Enhances all other flavors with its warm aromatic quality
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelization and depth of flavor to the exterior
• Butter: Creates the perfect golden crust and adds rich flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the filling:

Beat the softened cream cheese with strawberry jam and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. This typically takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer or 4 minutes by hand. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries using a spatula to maintain texture. The filling should be spreadable but still have visible strawberry pieces for flavor bursts.

Assemble the sandwiches:

Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the strawberry cream cheese mixture onto one slice of bread ensuring even coverage but leaving a small border around the edges. Press a second slice gently on top to create a sandwich. The cream cheese should reach the edges but not ooze out excessively.

Create the custard:

Whisk together milk eggs vanilla and brown sugar in a shallow dish until completely combined with no visible egg whites remaining. The brown sugar might not fully dissolve which is perfectly fine as it will create lovely caramelized spots on the finished toast.

Prepare the skillet:

Heat your skillet over medium low heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter per French toast sandwich. The butter should melt completely and begin to bubble slightly but not brown. This is the perfect temperature for cooking the French toast slowly enough to cook through without burning.

Dip and cook:

Carefully dip each sandwich into the custard mixture allowing each side to soak for about 10 seconds. The bread should absorb custard but still maintain its structural integrity. Transfer to the hot buttered skillet and cook until golden brown approximately 4 minutes per side. The exterior should be crispy and caramelized while the center becomes warm and melty.

This recipe reminds me of Sunday mornings at my grandmother's house where she would surprise us with special breakfast treats. She taught me that the secret to perfect French toast is patience letting the bread soak long enough to absorb the custard but not so long that it falls apart.

Make Ahead Magic

The strawberry cream cheese filling can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on busy mornings but actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together. You can even assemble the full sandwiches the night before and store them covered in the refrigerator allowing them to firm up which makes the dipping process neater.

Perfect Pairings

This strawberries and cream stuffed French toast pairs beautifully with savory breakfast items to create a balanced meal. Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to contrast the sweetness with savory protein. A simple fruit salad dressed with a touch of honey and mint provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish. For beverages consider serving with coffee dark hot chocolate or a mimosa for special occasions.

Seasonal Variations

While strawberries create a classic flavor profile this recipe welcomes adaptation based on seasonal fruit availability. In summer replace strawberries with fresh peaches and peach preserves. Fall calls for apple butter and thinly sliced apples with a dash of cinnamon. Winter versions shine with orange marmalade and a touch of cardamom. Spring welcomes blueberries or a mixed berry approach. The cream cheese base remains the same providing consistent texture while the fruit brings seasonal freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Thick slices of bread like Texas Toast or brioche are ideal for absorbing the custard and holding the filling.

→ Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?

Yes, other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches would make delicious alternatives.

→ How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

Make sure not to soak the bread in the custard for too long, about 10 seconds per side is sufficient.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the filling and custard mixture ahead of time, but it's best to cook the French toast fresh for optimal texture.

→ What are the best toppings for this dish?

Fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and real maple syrup complement the dish beautifully.

→ Can I make a dairy-free version of this dish?

Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk.