Description
Create a show-stopping brunch centerpiece with this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast. We sandwich a rich, tangy cream cheese filling between thick slices of bread, dip them in a flavorful custard, and pan-fry them until the outside is golden and crisp, leaving the center luxuriously creamy and warm. This recipe brings joy and connection to your breakfast table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (Brioche or Challah recommended)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, sliced strawberries)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto one side of four bread slices.
- Gently press the mixed berries onto the cream cheese layer of the four slices.
- Top with the remaining four slices of bread, creating four sandwiches. Press the edges gently to seal.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This is your custard.
- Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each assembled sandwich into the custard, coating both sides thoroughly. Do not let it soak too long; you want the bread coated, not soggy.
- Place the soaked sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat if browning too quickly.
- Transfer the cooked stuffed French toast to a plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread; it holds its shape better during the dipping process.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk in the custard.
- If you prefer a dessert-style treat, add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese filling.
- If you want extra crispiness, finish the toast in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 sandwich)
- Calories: Estimate needed
- Sugar: Estimate needed
- Sodium: Estimate needed
- Fat: Estimate needed
- Saturated Fat: Estimate needed
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate needed
- Trans Fat: Estimate needed
- Carbohydrates: Estimate needed
- Fiber: Estimate needed
- Protein: Estimate needed
- Cholesterol: Estimate needed