STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE FRENCH TOAST RECIPE
This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a decadent and delicious breakfast or brunch treat. Creamy cheesecake filling, warm strawberry topping, and perfectly cooked French toast make it a truly special meal.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6-8 slices thick-cut bread (challah, brioche, or Texas toast work well)
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the strawberry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly. Keep warm or set aside.
- Prepare the French toast batter: In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Assemble the French toast: Slice a small pocket into the side of each bread slice, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each pocket with about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling.
- Cook the French toast: Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each filled bread slice into the French toast batter, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let any excess batter drip off slightly.
- Cook: Cook the French toast slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped with the warm strawberry topping. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Bread Choice: Thick-cut bread holds up best to the filling and batter.
- Strawberry Topping Consistency: You can adjust the cooking time for the strawberry topping depending on how thick you want it. A longer cook time will result in a thicker sauce.
- Filling Options: You can add other flavors to the cream cheese filling, such as a little lemon zest or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Make-Ahead: The strawberry topping can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving. The cream cheese filling can also be made ahead. However, the assembled French toast is best served immediately.