Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of vanilla-kissed bread sizzling in butter, topped with a cloud of cream cheese and crowned with glistening strawberries. That’s exactly what this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast delivers—a breakfast that feels like dessert but is completely acceptable to enjoy before noon!
This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into something extraordinary by incorporating the beloved flavors of strawberry cheesecake. The contrast between the warm, custard-soaked bread and the cool, tangy cream cheese topping creates a breakfast experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will satisfy both breakfast lovers and dessert enthusiasts
- Impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weekend family breakfasts
- Customizable with seasonal fruits—swap strawberries for any berries you have on hand
- Most of the components can be prepped ahead, making morning assembly quick and stress-free
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 8 slices thick brioche or French bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 strawberries, sliced
- 4 tablespoons whipped cream
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and remove stems from 1 cup of strawberries. Cut into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Combine cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth, then gently stir in diced strawberries.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until evenly combined.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly onto 4 slices of bread, leaving a border near the crust. Place another slice of bread on top and press the edges to seal.
- Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Top with additional sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and maple syrup before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the strawberries the night before.
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Try using mixed berries or peaches instead of strawberries during different seasons.
- For a richer flavor, add 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free bread—just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to soaking.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and substitute half the whole milk with almond milk.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent French toast stands beautifully on its own, but for a complete brunch experience, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A light fruit salad with mint makes a refreshing side, while a mimosa or cold brew coffee completes this indulgent breakfast spread.
For a family-style presentation, arrange the French toast on a large platter and place the cream cheese mixture and strawberry topping in separate bowls, allowing everyone to build their own perfect stack.
Notes
- French toast is best enjoyed immediately after cooking but can be kept warm in a 200°F oven for up to 15 minutes.
- The cream cheese mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Test for doneness by pressing the center of the toast—it should spring back slightly and not be soggy.
- If serving a crowd, double the recipe and keep cooked French toast warm in the oven while you finish the batch.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche?
Yes, though the result won’t be as rich. If using sandwich bread, reduce the soaking time to about 10-15 seconds per side to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk, use dairy-free butter for cooking, and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Can I freeze leftover French toast?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Add the toppings fresh after reheating.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?
Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar in the egg mixture, use naturally sweet ripe strawberries without added maple syrup, and sweeten the cream cheese with a sugar substitute or less powdered sugar.
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