
Yields:
6 - 8 serving(s)
Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
French toast is one of my favorite brunch dishes, and this strawberry French toast is so delicious, it should come with a warning label. It's essentially two slices of bread stuffed with a creamy filling that tastes like strawberry cheesecake. You sandwich it all together, dunk it in a rich custard, and griddle it up in a generous amount of butter until it’s golden and glorious. Then you spoon some syrupy strawberries over the top, sprinkle on a little powdered sugar, and finish it off with a big dollop of whipped cream. Boy, is it divine.
The great thing about this French toast is that it feels really special, but isn't too time-intensive or complicated to tackle (even before you've had your morning coffee). Make it for Mother's Day brunch, Valentine's Day breakfast, or just because you love sweet breakfast ideas. And if you really want to wow someone, serve it with a plate full of candied bacon! I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
What kind of bread is best for strawberry French toast?
Stick with 1/2-inch-thick slices of soft French, Italian, or sourdough bread for this recipe. These breads are sturdy yet tender, making them ideal for holding the creamy filling without falling apart. The thickness of the slices is key—it prevents the toast from becoming soggy while soaking up just the right amount of custard. Avoid using white sandwich bread, as it’s too thin and likely to tear or crumble during cooking.
Can you make strawberry French toast ahead of time?
You'll want to wait until just before serving to stuff, dip, and griddle the French toast, but there are a few things you can do ahead to save time in the morning. The filling can be made a day in advance (without the strawberries), covered, and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, let it come to room temperature so it's easier to spread, then fold in the strawberries. The egg custard can also be prepared a day ahead and kept covered in the fridge.
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Ingredients
- 16 oz.
strawberries, hulled
- 2 Tbsp.
fresh orange juice
- 5 Tbsp.
granulated sugar
- 1
(8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 Tbsp.
strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp.
vanilla bean paste
- 16
(1/2-inch thick) slices soft French, Italian, or sourdough bread
- 5
large eggs
- 1/4 cup
half-and-half
- 1 tsp.
ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1 Tbsp.
unsalted butter, plus more as needed
Powdered sugar, for serving
Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Step 1Dice 4 of the strawberries and set aside in a small bowl. Slice the remaining strawberries and place in a medium bowl. Add the orange juice and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar to the sliced strawberries and toss to combine. Let stand at room temperature while you make the French toast.
- Step 2In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, strawberry jam, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla bean paste until combined and smooth. Fold in the diced strawberries.
- Step 3Generously spread the cream cheese mixture on half the bread slices. Top with the remaining bread slices and press lightly so they adhere. Set aside.
- Step 4In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, cinnamon, salt, and remaining 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste. Dunk each sandwich in the mixture until fully coated and soaked, about 30 seconds per sandwich. Set aside on a plate.
- Step 5Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over low heat. Increase the heat to medium-low and add 2 or 3 sandwiches. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet, add more butter as needed, and repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Step 6Dust the French toast with powdered sugar. Serve with the sliced strawberries and, if you like, whipped cream for topping.
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