Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
• Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries (or strawberry preserves) for added flavor and texture. Set the filling aside.

2. Prepare the French Toast Mixture:

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Stuffed French Toast:

• Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling on one slice of bread, then top with another slice to create a sandwich. Repeat for all the slices.
• Press the edges of the bread slices together gently to seal the filling inside.

4. Cook the Stuffed French Toast:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter.
• Dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated.
• Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

5. Serve and Garnish:

• Once cooked, transfer the stuffed French toast to serving plates.
• Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the decadent breakfast or brunch treat!

Tips:

• Bread Choice: For extra indulgence, use thick-cut brioche or challah bread, which will soak up the egg mixture well and create a fluffy, custardy interior.
• Fruit Variations: You can swap the strawberries for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of fruits if you prefer.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just assemble and cook the French toast when you’re ready to serve.

This Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast combines the best of both worlds: a luscious cheesecake filling and crispy French toast, making for the ultimate breakfast or brunch experience. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something extra indulgent! 🍓🍞