Description
Strawberry Cream French Toast is a rich and indulgent breakfast featuring golden, custardy French toast made from thick-cut brioche or challah bread, layered with a sweet and fluffy cream cheese and whipped cream filling, fresh sliced strawberries, and topped with maple syrup and powdered sugar. This elegant, bakery-style dish is perfect for Valentine’s Day brunch, special holidays, or a cozy weekend morning treat.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for cooking
Strawberry Cream Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Extra strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Combine Filling Components: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, producing a fluffy strawberry cream filling.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create the custard base for soaking the bread.
- Heat Pan: Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Dip Bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not overly soaked to avoid sogginess.
- Cook French Toast: Place the coated bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble Toasts: Spread the strawberry cream filling over half of the cooked toast slices, then top with sliced fresh strawberries, and cover with the remaining toast slices to form sandwiches.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the assembled French toast on plates, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and add extra fresh strawberries for garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture as it soaks the custard well without falling apart.
- The strawberry cream filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- For variation, add sliced bananas or raspberries along with the strawberries.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
