Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan spread. There will be a tiny variation in the taste profile, but it will nonetheless be great

While the filling is being cooked, what can I do to prevent it from leaking out

Make sure to seal the edges of your bread slices by gently pressing them together before dipping in the egg mixture. Additionally, avoid overfilling the sandwiches and ensure your cream cheese filling isn't too runny.

Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or a mixed berry combination. Each variation brings its own unique flavor profile to complement the cheesecake filling

What's the best bread to use if I can't find brioche?

Challah bread is the closest substitute, followed by Texas toast or unsliced French bread. The key is finding a thick-cut, slightly sweet bread that can stand up to the egg mixture without falling apart

Is there a method to make this dish with less sugar?

There is a possibility that you may cut the amount of powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling in half and replace it with one teaspoon of honey. To make the strawberry topping, cut down on the granulated sugar and sweeten it with a little orange juice

For a speedy morning meal, may I make this the night before?

You can prepare the strawberry topping and cheesecake filling the night before, but it's best to dip and cook the french toast just before serving for optimal texture. If needed, you can assemble the cream cheese sandwiches the night before and refrigerate them covered, then dip and cook in the morning

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast: Shockingly Easy Recipe

Description

This strawberry cheesecake french toast combines crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside french toast with rich cream cheese filling and sweet strawberry topping for a gourmet breakfast that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

8 slices of thick-cut brioche bread
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves
Maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the strawberry topping: Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until strawberries soften. Add cornstarch slurry if thicker sauce is desired. Remove from heat and cool.
Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Prepare the french toast batter: Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
Assemble and cook: Spread about 2 tablespoons of cheesecake filling on a slice of brioche and top with another slice. Dip sandwich in egg mixture for about 10 seconds per side. Cook in buttered skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve: Place french toast on a plate, top with strawberry sauce, dust with powdered sugar, garnish with mint leaves, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling
Don’t soak the bread for more than 10-15 seconds or it will become too soggy
Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning
The strawberry topping and cheesecake filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese, almond milk, and coconut oil
Other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be substituted for strawberries

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed french toast with toppings
Calories: 450
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake french toast, breakfast recipe, stuffed french toast, cream cheese french toast, strawberry breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, brunch idea, sweet breakfast