Strawberry cheesecake French toast: just the name alone conjures up images of a decadent, blissful breakfast, doesn't it? Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown, buttery French toast, oozing with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. It's a breakfast experience that transcends the ordinary and elevates your morning to something truly special.

While the exact origins of this delightful fusion are a bit hazy, the concept draws inspiration from the classic French toast, a dish with roots stretching back to ancient Rome. The Romans would soak bread in milk and eggs before frying it, a clever way to use up stale bread. Over time, this simple dish evolved, finding its way into various cultures and cuisines. The addition of cheesecake filling and strawberries is a modern twist, a playful and delicious way to indulge in the flavors we all adore.

People absolutely love strawberry cheesecake French toast because it's the perfect marriage of comfort and indulgence. The familiar warmth of French toast, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the bright, fresh burst of strawberries create a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. It's also surprisingly easy to make, making it a fantastic option for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast. Plus, who can resist a dish that feels like dessert for breakfast? Get ready to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this unforgettable culinary creation!

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup strawberry jam (high quality recommended)
1/4 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the French Toast Batter:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the French Toast:

8 slices of brioche bread (or challah, or Texas toast – about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For the Strawberry Topping (Optional):

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):

Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Fresh mint leaves

Preparing the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. It's crucial that the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid any lumps in your filling. If it's still a bit firm, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to melt it!
Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and strawberry jam to the cream cheese mixture. The strawberry jam adds a concentrated strawberry flavor that complements the fresh strawberries beautifully. Use a good quality jam for the best results.
Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the strawberries intact. Overmixing can cause them to release too much juice and make the filling watery.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread on the bread. You can even prepare this filling a day in advance!

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to fit a slice of bread), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. The heavy cream adds richness to the batter, but you can substitute it with more milk if you prefer a lighter version.
Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. A smooth batter will coat the bread evenly and result in a more delicious French toast.

Assembling the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast:

Take two slices of brioche bread. Brioche is my favorite for French toast because it's rich, buttery, and holds up well to the batter. However, you can use challah or Texas toast as alternatives. The key is to use a thick-cut bread that won't fall apart when soaked in the batter.
Spread half of the chilled strawberry cheesecake filling evenly onto one slice of bread. Don't be shy with the filling! This is what makes this French toast so special.
Top with the second slice of bread, creating a sandwich. Gently press down on the sandwich to help the filling adhere to the bread.
Repeat with the remaining bread and filling. You should have four strawberry cheesecake French toast sandwiches.

Cooking the French Toast:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. The butter will help to create a golden-brown crust on the French toast.
Carefully dip one strawberry cheesecake French toast sandwich into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak in the batter for about 15-20 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the batter without becoming soggy.
Lift the sandwich out of the batter and let any excess batter drip off. You don't want the French toast to be overly saturated.
Place the soaked sandwich into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your skillet.
Repeat with the remaining French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Be sure to keep an eye on the heat to prevent the French toast from burning. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
If you're making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Place the French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent it from sticking.

Preparing the Strawberry Topping (Optional):

While the French toast is cooking, prepare the strawberry topping (if using). In a medium bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
Gently toss the ingredients together until the strawberries are coated. The sugar will draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a delicious sauce.
Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened slightly and released their juices.

Serving the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast:

Serve the strawberry cheesecake French toast immediately. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Spoon the strawberry topping over the French toast for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.
Enjoy! This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is best enjoyed warm, so don't let it sit for too long before serving.

Tips and Variations:

Bread Choice: While brioche is my go-to, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Challah, Texas toast, or even sourdough can work well. Just make sure it's a sturdy bread that can hold up to the batter and filling.
Filling Variations: Get creative with the filling! You can add other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even a swirl of Nutella. For a chocolate cheesecake filling, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture.
Batter Add-ins: Enhance the batter with a splash of orange zest or a dash of nutmeg. You can also add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.
Cooking Method: If you don't have a skillet or griddle, you can bake the French toast in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the soaked French toast sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Make-Ahead Tips: The strawberry cheesecake filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the French toast sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When ready to cook, dip the sandwiches in the batter and cook as directed.
Dietary Considerations: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and butter.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this French toast with a side of bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast or brunch. It's also delicious as a dessert, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Troubleshooting:

French Toast is Soggy: Make sure you're not soaking the bread in the batter for too long. 15-20 seconds per side is usually sufficient. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the French toast.
Filling is Too Runny: Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, refrigerating the filling for at least 30 minutes will help it to firm up.
French Toast is Burning: Reduce the heat of your skillet. You may also need to add more butter to the skillet to prevent the French toast from sticking and burning.
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Conclusion:
This isn't just breakfast; it's a celebration on a plate! I truly believe this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a must-try recipe because it takes the best parts of three beloved treats – creamy cheesecake, sweet strawberries, and comforting French toast – and combines them into one unforgettable dish. The tangy cream cheese filling, the juicy burst of fresh strawberries, and the perfectly golden-brown, eggy bread create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. It's decadent, yes, but also surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a special weekend brunch or even a weeknight dessert when you need a little pick-me-up. But the deliciousness doesn't stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Or, if you're looking for a lighter option, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few extra fresh strawberries will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Berry Bonanza: Experiment with different berries! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry medley would be fantastic substitutes for the strawberries. * Nutty Delight: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese filling for a delightful crunch. * Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest in the cream cheese filling will brighten the flavors and add a touch of zing. * Chocolate Indulgence: Mix chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished French toast. * Savory Twist: Believe it or not, you can even add a savory element! A sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top would create a sweet and salty masterpiece. * Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the stuffed French toast the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning and allow the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to add the strawberries right before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy. * Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe accessible to everyone. I've poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect way to impress your friends and family, or simply treat yourself to something special. The combination of textures and flavors is truly divine, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen! I promise you won't regret it. This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is more than just a recipe; it's an experience. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking!

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Brioche bread stuffed with creamy strawberry cheesecake filling, dipped in a rich batter, and topped with fresh strawberries. A perfect brunch treat!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time70 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Yield: 4 servings
Save This Recipe
Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup strawberry jam (high quality recommended)

1/4 cup diced fresh strawberries

4 large eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

8 slices of brioche bread (or challah, or Texas toast – about 1 inch thick)

2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Powdered sugar

Whipped cream

Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and strawberry jam. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Assemble the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast: Take two slices of brioche bread. Spread half of the chilled strawberry cheesecake filling evenly onto one slice of bread. Top with the second slice of bread, creating a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.

Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Carefully dip one strawberry cheesecake French toast sandwich into the French toast batter, coating both sides evenly. Let the bread soak in the batter for about 15-20 seconds per side. Lift the sandwich out of the batter and let any excess batter drip off. Place the soaked sandwich into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping (Optional): While the French toast is cooking, prepare the strawberry topping (if using). In a medium bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss the ingredients together until the strawberries are coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened slightly and released their juices.

Serve: Serve the strawberry cheesecake French toast immediately. Top with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh mint leaves, if desired. Spoon the strawberry topping over the French toast for an extra burst of strawberry flavor.

Notes

Bread Choice: Brioche is recommended, but challah, Texas toast, or even sourdough can work well.

Filling Variations: Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even a swirl of Nutella. For a chocolate cheesecake filling, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture.

Batter Add-ins: Enhance the batter with a splash of orange zest or a dash of nutmeg. You can also add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.

Cooking Method: If you don't have a skillet or griddle, you can bake the French toast in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the soaked French toast sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make-Ahead Tips: The strawberry cheesecake filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the French toast sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When ready to cook, dip the sandwiches in the batter and cook as directed.

Dietary Considerations: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and butter.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this French toast with a side of bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast or brunch. It's also delicious as a dessert, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

French Toast is Soggy: Make sure you're not soaking the bread in the batter for too long. 15-20 seconds per side is usually sufficient. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the French toast.

Filling is Too Runny: Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, refrigerating the filling for at least 30 minutes will help it to firm up.

French Toast is Burning: Reduce the heat of your skillet. You may also need to add more butter to the skillet to prevent the French toast from sticking and burning.

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe