Create an indulgent brunch centerpiece with this recipe for golden-brown French toast stuffed with a sweet, creamy filling and fresh berries. This dish offers approachable elegance for your weekend breakfast.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Pan Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 slices thick-cut brioche bread
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup fresh strawberries or blueberries, sliced or whole
Butter or oil for the griddle
Powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and cinnamon until well combined to create the batter.
Take one slice of brioche and spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side. Top with a layer of fresh berries. Place a second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Gently press the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.
Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter or oil.
Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg batter, coating both sides quickly. Do not let the bread soak, as it will become soggy.
Place the coated sandwiches on the hot griddle. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the filling is warm. Adjust heat as needed to cook through without burning the outside.
Slice the stuffed French toast in half diagonally. Serve immediately dusted with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before cooking. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before dipping in the batter.
Use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese for a richer, tangier filling flavor.
For an extra crispy exterior, lightly dredge the dipped bread in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before placing it on the griddle.