Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
A brunch masterpiece: sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberries — like dessert for breakfast.
If you love indulgent breakfasts that feel like a hug on a plate, this Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is calling your name. Thick, golden slices of bread are generously filled with sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-fried to perfection. Every bite combines the richness of cheesecake, the juiciness of ripe strawberries, and the nostalgic comfort of French toast.
This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s breakfast, or when you just need a cozy pick-me-up. It’s beautiful, satisfying, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for frying
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup or strawberry syrup, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat or stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. This will be your decadent cheesecake layer that adds that rich, tangy sweetness.
2. Assemble the Stuffed Toast
- Lay out 8 slices of thick bread.
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on 4 of them.
- Top each with a handful of fresh strawberry slices.
- Place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to create sandwiches.
- Gently press down to help seal the edges slightly.
3. Make the French Toast Batter
In a shallow dish or wide bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This fragrant mixture will soak into the bread and give it that classic French toast flavor with a spiced twist.
4. Dip the Sandwiches
Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated. Let the bread soak for a few seconds so the custard absorbs slightly without making it soggy.
5. Cook to Golden Perfection
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter.
- Once melted and bubbling, place the soaked sandwiches onto the skillet.
- Cook each side for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring the inside becomes warm and creamy.
6. Serve with Style
Transfer the stuffed French toast to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup or a homemade strawberry sauce. Add extra fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Optional Add-Ons & Variations
- Add crushed graham crackers inside the filling for a more authentic cheesecake feel.
- Use mascarpone or ricotta instead of cream cheese for a lighter variation.
- Make it chocolatey by adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of Nutella inside.
- Bake instead of frying if you’re preparing a large batch (375°F for 10–15 minutes on a sheet pan).
- Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t in season (just thaw and drain well).
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 stuffed French toast sandwiches
- Skill Level: Easy
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Combines the richness of New York-style cheesecake with the comfort of classic French toast
- Customizable for holidays, brunches, or romantic breakfasts
- Great for visual platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Google Discover
- Includes trending ingredients: strawberries, cream cheese, brioche
- Taps into evergreen SEO searches like “stuffed French toast”, “brunch ideas”, and “cheesecake breakfast”