Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast Recipe
homemade filling; topped with strawberry preserves
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Ingredients
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French Toast
Cheesecake Filling
Topping & Garnish
Method
Cheesecake Filling
- 1
Make filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and lump-free (about 1–2 minutes). Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Beat until fully incorporated and silky. Scrape down the bowl and taste; adjust sweetness with up to 1 tablespoon more powdered sugar if desired. Transfer filling to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag and chill in refrigerator while you prepare the custard and bread (at least 10 minutes).
French Toast
- 2
Prepare custard
In a shallow wide bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
- 3
Prepare bread
If your bread slices are not pre-sliced for stuffing, cut a pocket or make a deep horizontal slit in each slice to create a cavity for the filling without cutting through completely. Alternatively, take two slices and plan to sandwich the filling between them.
- 4
Stuff the bread
Pipe or spoon about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling into each pocket (or spread the filling evenly between two slices if making sandwiches). Be careful not to overfill; leave edges clear so slices can be dipped without losing filling.
- 5
Soak
Working in batches of two to four slices, place the stuffed slices into the custard, letting each side soak 15–25 seconds until the surface is saturated but the bread still holds its shape. Turn gently to avoid squeezing out the filling.
- 6
Cook
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. When the butter foams, add soaked stuffed slices (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, adding more butter as needed between batches. If the bread is thick and the center is slow to heat, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to allow the filling to warm through without burning the exterior.
Topping & Serve
- 7
Warm preserves
Place the strawberry preserves in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat for 20–30 seconds, stirring, until slightly loosened and spreadable. Alternatively, warm in a small saucepan over low heat until syrupy.
- 8
Plate
Arrange 2 stuffed French toast slices per plate. Spoon or drizzle about 2 tablespoons warm strawberry preserves over each serving (adjust to taste). Scatter sliced fresh strawberries on top or alongside, if using. Lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- 9
Serve
Serve immediately while warm so the cheesecake filling is soft and creamy. Offer additional preserves or maple syrup on the side if desired.