Ingredients
– 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries for homemade strawberry syrup
– 1/2 cup white sugar for syrup
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 cup cold water
– 1/2 cup milk (low-fat or full-fat)
– 3 to 4 large eggs
– 1 pinch ground cinnamon
– 1 eight-ounce (about 225 g) package cream cheese, softened
– 3/4 cup white sugar for cream cheese filling
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 loaf French bread, cut into 2-inch thick slices
– 1 teaspoon butter for cooking french toast in pan
– Optional toppings: whipped cream, powdered sugar
Instructions
First Step: Make the Strawberry Syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup white sugar. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 cup cold water until smooth, then add to the saucepan. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a syrup consistency. Reduce heat to low and keep warm while preparing the other components.
Second Step: Prepare the Egg Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk (choose full-fat or low-fat), and a pinch of ground cinnamon. This creates the warm, spiced custard used to soak the bread slices.
Third Step: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened 8-ounce cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will be stuffed inside each slice of French bread for luscious flavor.
Fourth Step: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Cut the French bread into 2-inch thick slices. Carefully make a deep horizontal slit in each slice, creating a pocket without cutting through the bottom crust. Generously fill each pocket with the cream cheese mixture using a spatula or spoon, ensuring a rich cheesecake layer inside.
Fifth Step: Dip and Cook the French Toast
In a large skillet, melt 1 teaspoon butter over low to medium heat. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg custard mixture, coating both sides thoroughly and allowing excess to drip off. Place the slices in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Alternatively, for a hands-off approach, arrange the stuffed slices in a greased baking dish, pour remaining custard over, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and bubbly.
Final Step: Serve with Strawberry Syrup and Toppings
Serve the warm cheesecake stuffed french toast loaf topped generously with the homemade strawberry syrup. Add optional whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar for extra decadence. Enjoy immediately for the best creamy, fruity, and comforting experience.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥖 Use quality French bread or brioche for the best texture and flavor.
🍓 Homemade strawberry syrup adds freshness, but pre-made versions save time.
⏲️ The dish can be prepared in advance and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 to 25 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Varies
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
