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Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Recipe

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4.1 from 24 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus 30 minutes refrigeration (can be overnight)
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat featuring challah bread stuffed with fluffy cream cheese and sweet strawberry jam, soaked in an egg and milk mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh strawberries tossed in honey and lemon, it’s a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and comforting flavors perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 loaf challah bread sliced into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) strawberry jam
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Kosher salt, to taste

For the Strawberry Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Dish and Cream Cheese: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. In a bowl, whip the cream cheese until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes, to ensure easy spreading inside the bread.
  2. Stuff the Bread: Slice each piece of challah bread in half horizontally, cutting almost all the way through but leaving about 1/4 inch at the bottom as a hinge. Spread the inside of each bread slice with whipped cream cheese, then with strawberry jam (using only about two-thirds of the jar). Press the halves together gently to enclose the filling.
  3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined.
  4. Soak the Bread: Submerge each stuffed bread piece into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for at least one minute on each side so the bread absorbs the custard thoroughly. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the arranged bread.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to let flavors meld and the bread absorb the custard fully.
  6. Bake the French Toast: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the covered French toast for 25 minutes to cook through and retain moisture. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
  7. Prepare the Strawberry Topping: While baking or just before serving, toss the fresh strawberries with honey and lemon juice to create a sweet and tangy topping that complements the rich French toast.
  8. Serve: Plate the warm baked French toast slices and top with the honey-lemon strawberries. Add maple syrup and extra whipped cream if desired for additional sweetness and creaminess. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • For best results, use challah bread or another rich, sturdy bread that can hold the filling and soak up custard without falling apart.
  • Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate uncovered or lightly covered with foil to save time in the morning.
  • Adjust baking time slightly if your oven runs hot or cold to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
  • Fresh strawberries can be substituted with other berries or fruit preserves if preferred.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/baked-strawberry-cream-cheese-stuffed-french-toast-recipe/