Ingredients
• For the Cream Cheese Filling: 8 ounces Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature. Using full-fat cream cheese is essential for that rich, decadent flavor and smooth texture we are aiming for. Softening it beforehand is crucial to ensure a lump-free, easily spreadable filling.
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar. The sugar adds sweetness to complement the tanginess of the cream cheese and the tartness of the strawberries. You can adjust the amount slightly to your preference, but this quantity provides a perfectly balanced sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that ties the sweetness together and complements both the cream cheese and strawberries. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, finely diced. Fresh strawberries are the star of the filling, providing a burst of juicy, fruity flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling. Ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best results. Dicing them finely ensures they distribute evenly within the filling and don’t make the french toast bulky.
• For the French Toast: 8 slices Bread, thick-cut, such as Brioche, Challah, Texas Toast, or Pullman Loaf. The type of bread you choose significantly impacts the final result. Thick-cut bread is crucial for stuffed french toast as it can hold the filling without becoming soggy. Brioche and Challah are excellent choices due to their rich, buttery flavor and slightly eggy texture, which complements the french toast beautifully. Texas Toast, with its larger slices and sturdy structure, is another fantastic option. Pullman loaf, also known as sandwich loaf, works well if you prefer a slightly less sweet bread. Day-old bread is ideal as it’s slightly drier and will soak up the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy.
• 4 large Eggs. Eggs are the foundation of the custard mixture, providing richness, structure, and that classic french toast flavor. Use large eggs for the right consistency.
• ½ cup Milk, whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness. Milk thins out the eggs, creating the custard base and adding moisture to the french toast. Whole milk provides a richer flavor, while half-and-half will result in an even more decadent texture. You can also use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk if preferred, though it might slightly alter the richness.
• ¼ cup Heavy Cream (optional, for extra richness). Adding heavy cream to the custard mixture elevates the richness and creaminess of the french toast, making it even more indulgent. If you prefer a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream and use ¾ cup of milk instead.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a classic spice that perfectly complements the flavors of french toast, strawberries, and cream cheese. It adds warmth and a touch of spice to the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional, for added warmth). Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that enhances the cinnamon and other ingredients. It’s optional but highly recommended for a more complex flavor profile.
• Pinch of Salt. A pinch of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the custard. It might seem counterintuitive in a sweet dish, but salt plays a vital role in flavor development.
• Butter, for cooking. Butter is the traditional cooking fat for french toast, imparting a rich, buttery flavor and helping to achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness.
• For Serving (Optional): Powdered Sugar, for dusting. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, creating a beautiful snowy topping.
• Maple Syrup, for drizzling. Maple syrup is a classic french toast accompaniment, adding a rich, sweet, and slightly caramelized flavor that complements the strawberry cream cheese filling perfectly.
• Fresh Strawberries, sliced, for garnish. Adding sliced fresh strawberries on top reinforces the strawberry flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Whipped Cream, for topping (optional). A dollop of whipped cream adds extra indulgence and creaminess, complementing the textures of the french toast and filling.
• Chocolate Syrup, for drizzling (optional). For those who love a chocolatey touch, a drizzle of chocolate syrup adds another layer of decadent flavor.
Description
There are mornings when a simple bowl of cereal just won’t cut it. that demand something little…extraordinary. For my family, those often
