This Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat that combines creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and perfectly golden French toast. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the classic flavors of cheesecake and French toast.
- Perfect for special occasions or indulgent weekend breakfasts.
- Uses fresh, seasonal strawberries for a burst of flavor.
- Easy to make but looks and tastes gourmet.
- Can be prepped ahead to save time in the morning.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the French Toast:
- Thick slices of bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter (for cooking)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or heavy cream (optional for a lighter texture)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- If desired, fold in whipped cream for a fluffier texture.
- Prepare the French Toast:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter.
- Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak briefly on each side. Place on the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Assemble the French Toast:
- Spread the cheesecake filling on one slice of French toast and top with another slice to create a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining bread and filling.
- Serve:
- Top the assembled French toast with the strawberry mixture and additional powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Berry Mix: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed berry topping.
- Nutty Addition: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Drizzle chocolate syrup or add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling.
- Healthier Option: Use whole grain bread and reduce the sugar in the strawberry topping.
- Make it Savory: Swap the cheesecake filling for cream cheese and herbs, and serve with fresh tomatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture or in the microwave for convenience.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery topping.
2. What type of bread works best?
Thick-cut brioche or challah bread are ideal for their soft, rich texture.
3. Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
4. Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the egg mixture?
You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half.
5. Can I freeze French toast?
Yes, freeze individual slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
6. How do I thicken the strawberry topping?
Cook it longer to allow more liquid to evaporate, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
7. Can I use other fruits for the topping?
Yes, peaches, cherries, or even a tropical mix of pineapple and mango would work well.
8. What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?
You can use granulated sugar, but it may slightly alter the texture.
9. How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Avoid oversoaking the bread in the egg mixture and cook it on medium heat for a crisp exterior.
10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and butter substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast combines the best of breakfast and dessert into one luxurious dish. Its creamy filling, fresh fruit topping, and golden French toast make it a memorable addition to any table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a leisurely breakfast, this recipe will make the moment extra special.
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent strawberry cheesecake French toast is the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat! Creamy cheesecake filling is sandwiched between slices of bread, dipped in a rich egg mixture, and cooked to golden perfection. Top it with fresh strawberries and syrup for a dish that feels fancy but is easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah work best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to macerate while preparing the French toast.
- Assemble the French Toast:
- Spread a generous layer of cheesecake filling onto 4 slices of bread.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices to make sandwiches.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar.
- Cook the French Toast:
- Heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not overly soaked.
- Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Top each French toast sandwich with the macerated strawberries.
- Add optional toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if out of season; simply heat them with sugar and lemon juice to create a quick compote.
- For a fun twist, add a spoonful of strawberry jam to the cheesecake filling.