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Fluffy Stuffed Strawberry French Toast

fluffy stuffed strawberry french toast - featured image

A delicious and easy-to-make stuffed French toast filled with a creamy ricotta and cream cheese filling and fresh strawberries, perfect for brunch or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or half-and-half (dairy-free milk optional)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 4-5 thin slices per bread slice)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, extra sliced strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of milk if too thick. Set aside.
  2. Slice and stuff the bread: Using a paring knife, gently cut a pocket into the side of each bread slice without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket with about 2 tbsp of the creamy filling and a few slices of fresh strawberries. Press gently to close.
  3. Make the custard batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Soak the stuffed bread: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add butter, swirling to coat. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard batter, soaking both sides for 15-20 seconds. Avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
  5. Cook the French toast: Place soaked slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed between batches. The filling should be warm and slightly melty inside.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer to plates and garnish with powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream as desired.

Notes

Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess. Do not over-soak the bread in custard to avoid falling apart. Cook on medium heat for even browning. Butter adds flavor and prevents sticking. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives. The recipe can be made ahead by preparing stuffed bread the night before and cooking fresh in the morning.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed French toast, strawberry French toast, creamy filling, ricotta, cream cheese, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cinnamon vanilla custard